Student Handbook for the
2024-2025 School Year

Mission Statement
Consent Upon Registration
Equal Educational Opportunities

Mission Statement

Bring Everyone’s Strengths Together!  We will all intentionally focus on empowering our students to reach their maximum potential by embracing opportunities and challenges while cultivating a tradition of distinction in education.

Consent Upon Registration

By registration of your child (children) or any student in the Rankin County School District, all parents, legal guardians, and students do hereby consent to and agree to obey and follow rules and regulations contained in this handbook and such other oral directions of school administrators or teachers as may be necessary or desirable to carry out the orderly educational process of the school. Further, such parents, legal guardians, and students agree to abide by and follow all rules or school board policies as are obtained in the official policy handbook located at the administrative offices of the Rankin County School District at 1220 Apple Park Place, Brandon, Mississippi, (office of the county superintendent), copies of which are located at all school libraries.

Further, all parents, legal guardians, and students agree and are hereby informed that all students of the Rankin County School District are subject to questioning or being taken into official custody while at school by any appropriately appointed law enforcement official or department of human services agent investigating an official case upon oral or written court order of the Rankin County Youth Court, County Court, Circuit Court, or Chancery Court of the State of Mississippi.

Equal Educational Opportunities (JAA, 3/8/17)

The Rankin County School District grants equal educational opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, marital status, religion, or disability.

It is the intent and desire of the Rankin County Board of Education that equal educational opportunities be provided in any and all educational programs and activities.

LEGAL REFERENCE: MS Code 37-15-35; 1972 Educational Amendments, Title IX; 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title VI; 1973 Rehabilitation Act, Section 503 & 504; 45 CFR Part 84 and Part 86; Brown vs. Board of Education, 347 U. S. 483 (1954); Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards

___ ___ ___

* POLICIES CONTAINED WITHIN THIS HANDBOOK ARE SUBJECT TO MODIFICATION BY THE RCSD BOARD OF EDUCATION AS DEEMED NECESSARY.

School Attendance Office:  Brandon, Florence, McLaurin, Pelahatchie,

Pisgah, Puckett, Richland Zones | 601-825-8390

School Attendance Office:  Northwest Rankin Zone | 601-591-1770

BRANDON ZONE

FLORENCE ZONE

MCLAURIN ZONE

NORTHWEST ZONE

PELAHATCHIE ZONE

PISGAH ZONE

PUCKETT ZONE

RICHLAND ZONE

DISTRICTWIDE

THE LEARNING CENTER
Kindergarten–12th
Principal: Dr. Charles Stevenson
200 School Road
Brandon, MS 39042
Phone: 601.824.0334
Fax: 601.825.2988

Student Conduct (JCA)
Student Conduct in School / Code of Conduct (JCB)
Conduct at Extracurricular Activities

Student Conduct (JCA, 9/14/1994)

The Board acknowledges that students must learn acceptable behavior patterns to enable them to be responsible, self-disciplined, contributing members of society. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop student codes of conduct, in consultation with teachers, school personnel, students, and parents/guardians, as all contribute to the maintenance of a climate conductive to learning.  The student codes of conduct/discipline plan shall be included in the student handbook or similar publications and the parent/guardian shall sign a statement verifying that they have been given notice of the district discipline/conduct policies. Annually, the official discipline/conduct policies shall be reviewed to insure compliance with applicable statutes, case law, and state and federal guidelines.

The conduct/discipline plan of the district shall include, but not be limited to:

         1.    Specific grounds for disciplinary action

         2.    Procedures to be followed for acts requiring discipline

         3.    An explanation of student rights and responsibilities

Except in cases of excessive force or cruel and unusual punishment, a teacher or other member of the instructional staff, a principal or his designated representative, or a bus driver shall not be civilly liable for any action carried out in conformity with state law and Board rules regarding the control, discipline, suspension, and expulsion of students.

The parent, guardian, or custodian of a student in the district shall be financially responsible for any destructive acts of the minor child against school property or persons and any criminal fines brought against such student for unlawful activity occurring on school grounds. Further, a parent, guardian, or custodian can be required to attend a discipline conference regarding these acts when properly notified by an appropriate school official.

Every student within the Rankin County School District shall have the right to take reasonable actions as may be necessary to defend himself or herself from an attack by another student who has evidenced menacing or threatening behavior through bullying or harassing. Furthermore, the Rankin County School District defines “reasonable actions including but not limited to promptly reporting the behavior to a teacher, principal, counselor, or other school employee when subjected to bullying or harassing behavior. 

Legal Reference: MS Code §37-11-55, §37-11-53, §37-11-57, §37-11-69

Student Conduct in School / Code of Conduct (JCB, 7/22/2020)

Each student will be responsible for providing a positive, safe, and healthy educational environment for others by maintaining order, self-discipline, and having consideration for the rights and property of others. The accomplishment of this objective will entail the following:

1. Each student will bear the responsibility for his or her own conduct, including responsibility for neatness and cleanliness of personal attire and hygiene. 
2. Each student will respect the rights of other students, teachers, administrators and other school personnel and visitors as human beings and fellow citizens of the school community. 
3. Each student will respect the personal property of others and refrain from causing intentional damage or unnecessary wear and tear to books, facilities, school materials, school buildings and furnishings, and the personal property of others and obey all state laws pertaining thereto. 
4. Each student will refrain from violating all state laws, school discipline codes, or city ordinances and will refrain from:
   1. using profanity or inappropriate language.
   2. fighting or making threats.
   3. creating disturbances.
   4. carrying any weapon or any instrument which could be used as a weapon on school grounds or  at school functions.
   5. intentionally injuring another person or acting in such a negligent or indifferent manner as to  expose others to risk or danger of harm or  injury.
   6. using threats or intimidation against any other person.
   7. denying others the use of school facilities or buildings. 
5. Each student will respect the health and safety of others and will refrain from: 
   1. smoking or using; possessing on their person, in their automobile or vehicle, or in their locker; or transmitting tobacco, electronic cigarettes, vapors, spice on campus or at extracurricular activities. 
   2. using, possessing, transmitting, or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage.  
   3. using, possessing, transmitting, or being under the influence of any narcotic substance, illegal or prohibited drug, or controlled substance as defined by state law.
   4. engaging in gambling or extortion.
   5. engaging in theft.
   6. assaulting or attempting assault of another person.
   7. producing excessive noise.
   8. engaging in any other unlawful activity.
   9. making suggestive sexual remarks to other persons, students, or teachers or engaging in any type of conduct or action relative in any way to sex or sexual advances or sexual threats or gestures to or in the presence of another person while at school, on the bus, or attending a school related activity or function of any type at any location. 
   10. exposing one's self sexually by the removal of clothing or the wearing of see through clothing or clothing that is otherwise inappropriate or which might jeopardize the enhancement of the educational process or learning environment. 
   11. showing disrespect to or failing to obey instructions or request of his/her/or a teacher, principal, or other school authority figure employed by the Rankin County School District, including bus drivers. 
6. Each student will respect the educational process and learning environment of others by refraining from: 
   1. tardiness. 
   2. being absent from school for reasons that are unexcused or for reasons not associated with sickness, injury or death in the family unless excused in advance by the principal. 
   3. any activities which diminish the rights of others and the opportunity for other students to receive an education and obtain the maximum benefit from a public education. A student who enhances their educational performance or allows other students to enhance their educational performance through any dishonest means shall be given a zero and is subject to suspension or expulsion for the remainder of the year.

Note: During times of pandemic, epidemic, or community spread of communicable disease, face masks/coverings will be required on buses since social distancing is not possible and may be required on school campuses. Face masks/coverings must follow the requirements of JCDB Dress Code for Students.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent and principals to develop such further rules and regulations as necessary to insure that students conduct themselves in a manner conducive to the best interest of the school and it shall be the responsibility of the students to obtain and follow such rules, oral or written, upon request and in an expedient, efficient, and timely manner.    

Conduct at Extracurricular Activities

Due Process (JCAA)
School Bus Discipline Program (JCDAD)
Corporal Punishment (JDB)
Detention of Students (JDC)
Elementary and Secondary Level Rules and Consequences (JDC-E)
Weapons (JCDAE)
Suspension (JDD)
Expulsion (JDE)
School Searches (JCDA)
Student Drug and Alcohol Testing (JCDABA)
Drugs and Alcohol (Possession or Reasonable Suspicion) (JCDAC)
Student Drug Testing Program Extracurricular Activities (JCDAB)
Gang Activity (JCBB)
Bullying (JDDA)
Alternative Education
Equal Educational Opportunities (JAA)
Section 504 Procedures (Students) (IDDHB)
Dress Code for Students (JCDB)
Campus Safety Protocol
Student Records (JR)
Automobile Use (JGFF)
Cell Phone/Electronic Devices (JE)
Use of Tobacco and Smoking Devices (JCDAA)
Communicable Diseases (JGCC)

Due Process (JCAA, 6/26/2019)

A student who has been suspended for more than ten (10) days or expelled has the right to a formal due process hearing. All aspects, circumstances and records of the student’s case shall be confidential and available only to authorized school officials dealing directly with the student or to the student’s parents, legal guardians or attorneys for the student or for the Board, or as directed by the court system or police department.  The following procedures provide notice and opportunity to be heard in such matters.  

The superintendent of schools or designee and the principal of a school shall have the power to suspend or expel a pupil for good cause, including misconduct in the school or on school property, on the road to and from school, or at any school-related activity or event or when such conduct by a pupil, including off campus conduct, in the determination of the superintendent/designee or principal, renders that pupil’s presence in the classroom a potential danger or potential disruption to the educational environment or an orderly educational process of the school or the education of others and are a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole, or for any reason for which such pupil might be suspended, dismissed or expelled by the school board under state or federal law or any rule, regulation or policy of the school district.  If there be probable cause to believe that a student is guilty of off campus conduct involving a violation of a criminal offense where the penalty by statute provides for any amount of incarceration, the principal or Superintendent or designee may expel or suspend the student immediately.  

For any suspension of more than ten (10) days or expulsion, a student shall have the right to a formal due process hearing, when requested in writing directed to the County Superintendent of Education; be represented by legal counsel, to present evidence; and to cross-examine witnesses presented by the district. (See Section VI. Conduct of Hearing.) Prior to any formal hearing, a case will be heard by the Disciplinary Determination Committee (DDC), as outlined in Section V. Appeals.  

The student and the student’s parent, legal guardian or person in legal custody of the student may appeal an expulsion or a suspension of more than ten (10) days. The standard of proof in all disciplinary proceedings shall be a preponderance of the substantial evidence.  The parent or guardian of the child shall be advised of this right to a hearing by policy notice or by the appropriate superintendent/designee  or principal and the proper form shall be provided for requesting such a hearing upon written request.  

In all cases of student discipline resulting in suspension of more than ten (10) days, all consideration of student disciplinary actions shall be conducted in accordance with standard board procedure.  All decisions by the board shall be final except for appeal to the Chancery Court of Rankin County, Mississippi and then to the Mississippi Supreme Court.  

In all cases of student discipline resulting in suspension for ten (10) days or less, the decision of the principal or his designee shall be final and not appealable except that the County Superintendent of Education shall have the discretion to review the record of the principal’s (or designee’s) decision upon written request of the student, his/her parent or guardian setting forth the reasons why the decision should be reversed or modified within twenty-four (24) hours of such decision, excluding weekends and school holidays.    

I.   HEARING BODIES.  Cases of student discipline will be heard at the discretion of RCSD by one of the hearing bodies unless the accused elects to waive his rights to a formal hearing:

1. Principal or his/her designee 
2. Disciplinary Determination Committee (DDC) 
3. Superintendent or his/her designee 
4. School Board (See Section VI. Conduct of Hearing.         

II.  PROCEDURE FOR WAIVING HEARING. In the event a student desires to waive the opportunity of a hearing or appeal when charged with an offense or rule violation, he/she or his/her parent or representative may do so. The student need only confer with the designated discipline authority, whereby the charge will be explained and the possible punishment explained. At that time, the student may waive a hearing before the official and punishment for the particular offense will be imposed.  

III. JURISDICTION. The principal and/or superintendent, or their designees, of the respective schools of the district, shall have the jurisdiction to hear and decide on matters of student discipline and impose the necessary punishment once guilt or innocence is determined.  Appeals from I.1, I.2 or I.3 above will be heard by the county school board and appeals from I.4 above shall be to the Chancery Court of Rankin County, Mississippi or as required by law.  

IV. NOTIFICATION OF CHARGES. In all cases, the student will be orally informed of the charges lodged against him/her and the student shall have a right to respond and refute these charges. There need be no delay between the time that “notice” is given and the time of the hearing. A brief record or notes will be kept of these proceedings, and if the student so chooses, an appropriate appeal may be made from a given disciplinary decision for which the student feels aggrieved. To perfect or make an appeal for any suspension of more than ten (10) days or expulsion, the student must inform the building principal of his or her desire to appeal, in writing, and within twenty-four (24) hours, excluding weekends and school holidays.  

V. APPEALS.   Appeals by a student from a given local school disciplinary decision imposing suspension for more than ten  (10) days or expulsion shall be to the Disciplinary Determination Committee (DDC). The DDC will consist of three building level administrators from within the school district, namely a principal or assistant principal from the local school, a district level administrator and the assistant superintendent of education in charge of expulsion hearings (or his/her designee). The DDC shall convene and meet within a reasonable period of time as circumstances may dictate and, if possible, during the period of suspension. 

1. The assistant superintendent of education in charge of expulsion hearings (or his/her designee) shall preside over all DDC meetings. At such meetings, the principal and student involved may appear and make a brief summary of the facts and circumstances in support of or against a particular charge or charges and in support of or against the disciplinary decision with respect thereto. The DDC may consider any written documentation or statements of witnesses and any and all other relevant matters presented by the principal or student. 
2. No formal rules of evidence shall apply to DDC meetings. Unless otherwise directed by the presiding assistant superintendent, no formal oath shall be administered to those appearing before the DDC. However, the DDC shall be the sole judge as to the truthfulness or reliability of all matters presented. All statements of witnesses, other than those of the principal, student and such student’s parent or guardian shall be submitted in written form, unless otherwise directed by DDC. 
3. At the conclusion of the meeting, the DDC shall adjourn and decide whether the disciplinary decision should be upheld, modified or overturned, based upon a majority vote. In making such decision, the DDC shall consider all matters presented and shall consider all relevant factors as set forth in board POLICY JDE. The decision of the DDC shall be rendered forthwith and delivered in writing to the parties. Thereupon, the meeting of the DDC shall conclude.  
4. If the student desires to appeal the decision of the DDC, the student shall inform the superintendent of education of such desire to appeal, in writing, by registered mail, within seven (7) days following the decision of the DDC. 

All appeals from a decision of the DDC shall be de novo to the board of education. At the discretion of the board, such hearings may be conducted before a hearing referee designated by the board.  In the event of an appeal to the board, the following procedures shall apply.

1. The student affected shall be notified by letter of the specific charge or charges, the nature of the evidence to be presented against him (whether by affidavit or list of the witnesses and brief summary of their testimony) and of the time and place where the hearing will be held. Such notice shall be hand-delivered or mailed via certified mail and will be postmarked no less than five (5) days before the scheduled hearing. 
2. The notification will specifically inform the student: (a) that he may bring witnesses to testify in his behalf or present affidavits at the arranged hearing; (b) that he has the right to be accompanied by his parent and/or counsel of his own choosing, but that such counsel may participate only in advisory capacity. 
3. At least three (3) days prior to the hearing, the student shall provide to the school district, in writing: (a) a brief statement and explanation of his defenses to the charges; (b) the nature of the evidence to be presented by him (whether by affidavit or list of the witnesses and brief summary of their testimony); and (c) the name, address, and telephone numbers of the student and his parents and all witnesses to be offered at the hearing. 

Failure to provide any of the above, a., b., or c., may resort in dismissal of the appeal and the original decision shall stand.

VI. CONDUCT OF HEARING.
A. Hearings will not be open to the public.
B. The hearings will be conducted by the hearing referee in an orderly manner. Any persons attempting to disrupt proceedings will be subject to immediate action on the basis of contempt or arrest and ejection from the building.
C. The accused will have an opportunity to be heard in his own defense by oral testimony.  In any event, all findings of fact shall be based solely upon the testimony and evidence presented and shall be based upon proof of violation of a statute or policies, rules and regulations or directive of a teacher, principal, assistant principal, coach or person of authority of the school  by the student, as charged by a preponderance of the evidence of the case as a whole.
D. The accused will have an opportunity to hear and refute all testimony against him. Where the evidence is presented in writing, he will have the right to see and refute such written testimony. The accused may present any relevant evidence on his behalf, may reply to charges in his own words and/or may present witnesses on his own behalf, and be represented by an attorney at his/her own expense.
E. All witnesses will present testimony under oath and be subject to cross-examination. 
F. The burden of proof will rest upon those bringing the charge, and all matters upon which the decision is based must be produced at the hearing. No formal rules of evidence and/or procedure shall be followed. The hearing will be conducted in an informal and fair manner.
G. A certified court reporter will take and transcribe all evidence and testimony at the hearing. Where the hearing is held before a hearing referee, the entire transcript will be provided unto each member of the Rankin County Board of Education for review prior to a final board decision in the matter.
H. The student’s permanent status at the school will not be altered pending final disciplinary action on the charges.  Except as provided for above or by law, the student’s right to be present on the campus and attend classes will not be suspended, except for reasons relating to the health, safety and well-being of the student, other members of the school community or school property, or unless said student’s presence poses a potential threat of disruption or potential danger of or disruption to the educational process or learning environment, as determined in the sole discretion of the County Superintendent of Education or designee.  

VII. FINDINGS.
A. Hearing before hearing referee: A transcript of the hearing will be prepared and forwarded unto each board member for review as soon as possible. The matter shall be set for a date certain before the board for a final vote and decision by the board as to the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken. Prior to making such decision, the student affected, or his attorney, shall be entitled to address the board for up to ten minutes and make a brief statement on the student’s behalf.
B. Hearing before the board: In any case where the hearing is held before the board itself, the board will issue its decision, in writing, to the student, to be delivered either by hand or by mail, within seventy-two (72) hours after the conclusion of the hearing, exclusive of weekends or school holidays or as soon thereafter as is practical or reasonable.
C. In cases of suspension or expulsion of more than ten (10) days, all appeals from the final action of the board shall be to the Chancery Court of Rankin County, Mississippi.

 LEGAL REFERENCE: Goss v. Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975)

School Bus Discipline Program (JCDAD, 7/22/2020)

The purpose of any rule or regulation related to school transportation service developed by the Rankin County School District is to insure the safety of our students and to provide for an orderly operation of school buses.  Parents, students and school personnel can be most effective in promoting safety and orderly conduct when they work together.

Note: During times of pandemic, epidemic, or community spread of communicable disease, face masks/coverings will be required on buses since social distancing is not possible. Face masks/coverings must follow the requirements of JCDB Dress Code for Students.

In accordance with this goal, students utilizing school transportation services shall:

1. Be at your assigned bus stop on time. 
2. Exercise extreme caution in getting from your assigned stop. 
3. Look in both directions before stepping from behind parked cars or crossing any roadway. 
4. Remain well off the road until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver indicates that it is safe to enter. 
5. Use handrails while entering or leaving the bus. 
6. Always cross the roadway in front of the bus when entering or leaving and walk approximately 10 feet ahead of front bumper. 
7. Talk in a normal, conversational tone of voice. 
8. Keep head, hands, arms, legs, body and articles inside the bus. 
9. Be courteous to and follow the instructions of the bus driver. 
10. Be respectful toward the bus driver and all other students. 
11. Sit in assigned seats. 
12. Remain seated at all times, keeping feet out of the aisles. 
13. Follow district dress code. 

In addition to the above rules, the student SHALL NOT:

1. Play on or near a roadway while waiting for the bus to arrive. 
2. Walk on the roadway when there is a sidewalk or pathway. 
3. Bring unauthorized articles on the bus such as pets, combustibles, large articles, weapons or related items. 
4. Smoke or use intoxicants. 
5. Use profane or indecent language. 
6. Fight, scuffle or hit others. 
7. Make vulgar gestures or curse. 
8. Throw objects. 
9. Eat or drink while on the bus. 
10. Spit on or out of the bus. 
11. Trip others when entering/exiting the bus. 
12. Make harassing gestures or comments, sexual or otherwise. 
13. Leave or enter the bus at any place other than their assigned school or assigned bus stop without prior approval from their principal or transportation director. Student conduct at the bus stop is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. 
14. Commit any other act of misconduct not specifically named herein. 
15. Forge signatures on bus discipline reports. 
16. Gamble 
17. Tamper with equipment. 

Violation of any of these rules may result in the administration of appropriate disciplinary action by the school principal including, but not limited to, corporal punishment and/or loss of bus transportation services indefinitely for the remainder of the school year.  These violations may be governed by a point system set by the superintendent or his designee for purposes of disciplinary action.

Bus Discipline Program 

In order to be successful, an effective school bus discipline program requires the cooperation of parents, students and educational personnel.  All parties must work together toward the common goal of insuring that students are transported safely and economically to and from school.

The Board, recognizing the fact that student misconduct can jeopardize the safety of others, does hereby adopt the following procedures relative to student discipline for school bus transportation services:

1. When possible or appropriate, parents and students should be notified of general activities of a student considered to be inappropriate on buses. 
2. An adequate supply of forms designed to report student misconduct will be provided each bus driver. 
3. All bus drivers shall promptly make a written report of any misconduct by a student to the principal or designee. 
4. The principal or designee shall make a prompt due process investigation of the misconduct reported by the bus driver and, based upon the information developed through this investigation, administer such disciplinary action as deemed appropriate. Where the misconduct relates in any way to the safety of others or distracts the bus driver from the performance of his duties, the principal may automatically suspend a student for up to ten (10) days and recommend expulsion from the bus for the remainder of the school year. 
5. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action, the principal or designee shall consider the age of the child, the severity of the offense, previous reports of misconduct by the student, and any other information considered relevant to the current situation. 
6. Students will be subject to immediate suspension or expulsion of the privilege of school transportation services indefinitely or for the balance of the school year if their misconduct constitutes a threat to their safety and of others, results in the destruction of public or private property, distracts the bus driver or potentially interferes with the normal or safe operation of the school bus.  When possible, the parent should be notified of said suspension of bus riding privileges in writing and by telephone. 
7. Principals or designee shall be allowed to suspend students from school transportation services for a maximum of ten (10) days for each reported incident or misconduct. 
8. All due process rights of students shall be observed in the disciplinary process. 
9. Principals or designee shall attempt to notify parents of misconduct of their child on school buses who shall cooperate with school officials in correcting the behavior problem(s) of the student, if the student wishes to continue to be provided transportation services. 
10. Upon the recommendation of the principal and with the approval of the superintendent (or the superintendent’s designee) and after an inquiry and finding by the superintendent (or his designee) as to the probability of guilt of the student as to the misconduct charged, a student may be expelled from any and all transportation services indefinitely and/or for the balance of the school year.  This expulsion can be immediate, if the student’s misconduct potentially jeopardizes the safety of bus occupants, the general public, or himself or constitutes a threat to such safety or if the student fails to indicate a willingness to correct his/her behavior.  The decision on expulsion can be appealed by the student, his parent or legal guardian by writing the superintendent within seven (7) days of the date of notification of the action and requesting a formal hearing.  Upon such request by the parent or legal guardian of the student, a due process hearing shall be conducted by the Board or its hearing officer or designee within thirty (30) days.  A written transcript shall be provided to the Board which shall make a final decision by majority vote thereon within a reasonable time from the date of being provided a copy of the transcript.  Any appeal therefrom shall be to the State Court of appropriate jurisdiction. 
11. Principals shall retain for future reference all reports of student misconduct and records of action taken to resolve the problem. 
12. Parents are encouraged to report to the principal any incident related to their child which could ultimately result in a disciplinary problem if not immediately corrected. 
13. The driver or principal shall have the authority to designate seating if necessary to maintain order. 
14. The superintendent or his designee is hereby authorized by the Board to take such further or necessary action as may be necessary to protect the safety, health and well-being of all students, passengers and the general public as may be affected by the Rankin County School District bus transportation program, including the promulgation of rules of discipline and conduct of students. 

If any otherwise eligible child living within the Rankin County School District boundaries becomes ineligible, for any reason, disciplinary or otherwise, to ride a Rankin County School District school bus, and the parent(s) or legal guardian of such child shall thereafter refuse to personally or otherwise provide for said child’s transportation to and from school, in a timely manner, and as directed by the principal, assistant principal or superintendent, then such child shall thereupon be suspended from school attendance for reasons associated with the safety of said student and school property (and so as to prevent said child from remaining at school, unattended and without supervision) and such cause shall be thereupon referred to the Youth Court of Rankin County, Mississippi by the principal or superintendent and to the Department of Human Services for inquiry as to, but not limited to, whether such actions on the part of the parent or legal guardian constitute “neglect,” as defined by law.

If such parent or legal guardian is desirous of a hearing with respect thereto, the same shall be requested in writing within three (3) days of such suspension and not thereafter and such hearing may be thereupon conducted within a reasonable time.  Such hearing may be conducted by a hearing officer appointed by the Board of Education with the final decision thereon to be made by the superintendent or assistant superintendent within five (5) days of said hearing.  Such decision, if adverse to the student, parent or legal guardian, may be appealed to the School Board by providing unto the Board a certified transcript of the proceeding, which shall be paid for in advance and prior to the hearing by the appealing party.  The Board shall thereupon make its final decision within a reasonable time, and after affording the aggrieved party of an opportunity to be heard; appeals from the decision of the School Board (Trustees) shall be to the Chancery Court of Rankin County, Mississippi.                                                                                      

Corporal Punishment (JDB, 8/10/2022)

The Rankin County Board of Education recognizes the use of corporal punishment by teachers and administrators as a means to correct misconduct of students, to preserve an effective educational environment which is free from disruption, and to further the educational mission of the Board. Corporal punishment shall be administered in a fair, reasonable, and impartial manner. However,  school personnel is prohibited from using corporal punishment on any student with a disability. A student with a disability is any student who has an IEP or Section 504 plan (MS Code 37-11-57, revised July 1, 2019). A public school teacher, assistant teacher, principal, assistant principal, or other school personnel shall not be granted immunity from liability for the use of corporal punishment on a student with a disability.
 

The procedure for administering corporal punishment is as follows:

       a.    Age, size, and the physical and mental condition of the student

       b.    Size, strength, and temperament of the disciplinarian

1. Corporal punishment, generally, should be used only when other efforts to correct  misconduct have been found to be ineffective with a student.
2. Prior to the decision to administer corporal punishment, the student shall be informed of the misconduct charged against him.
3. If the student denies having committed the misconduct, an investigation of the facts shall be made prior to the administration of corporal punishment.
4. After a decision has been made to administer corporal punishment, a student shall be informed, in the presence of another certified educator, of the reason for the punishment.
5. School officials should consider the following factors in administering corporal punishment:
6. All corporal punishment shall be administered by certified staff in a private setting within the school and not in view of any other students. At least one additional certified educator shall be present during the administration of corporal punishment.
7. Any instrument used to administer corporal punishment shall be such as not to cause either temporary or permanent physical injury.
8. Upon request, the person administering corporal punishment shall provide to the student’s parent/guardian a written explanation of the reasons for such punishment  and the name of the other certified staff present.
9. The principal shall maintain a record of all corporal punishment administered on the appropriate discipline form.

10. At all times, licensed employees must adhere strictly to the guidelines of their building principal.            

LEGAL REFERENCE: Ingraham v. Wright 97 S.Ct. 1401 (1977).

Detention of Students (JDC, 9/14/1994)

A student may be required to be present for up to an hour before or after the instructional day as a means of disciplinary action provided the parent of the student has been notified of the detention and arrangements have been made for the student’s transportation.  Twenty-four hour notice will be given so that transportation arrangements can be made by the parent.  However, if the parent cannot or will not provide transportation, an alternate disciplinary procedure will be substituted.

Students who are detained must be supervised during said detention.  Supervision will be provided by, or arranged for, by the teacher or principal who detains them.

Detention will not exceed one hour per instructional day but may be administered over several days in succession.

Saturday detention is permissible, at the discretion of the principal, provided the parent/guardian has been notified and has made transportation arrangements.

Professional staff are expected to follow the procedures established by the Board and the principal when detaining students.

Elementary and Secondary Level Rules and Consequences (JDC Exhibit, 6/8/2011)

The principal is responsible for designing disciplinary procedures that fit the needs of the local school and the situations that arise. Detention will not exceed one hour per instructional day. Principals will be responsible for designing rules with input from all stakeholders. It is also the responsibility of the principal to disseminate the rules to parents and students at the beginning of the school year.

Weapons (JCDAE, 10/12/2022)

Suspension (JDD, 12/13/2017)

DEFINITION:

Suspension is the denial of the privilege of attending school in the regular pattern and is imposed after due process by the principal or his designee and will be counted as an unexcused absence.  While under suspension, students shall not attend any day or night school functions.  Students under out-of-school suspension shall not trespass or come upon or be found within any school buildings or grounds except for a pre-arranged conference with the principal.  Students under in-school suspension shall follow an attendance schedule arranged by the principal.

VIOLATIONS LEADING TO SUSPENSION:

The Board authorizes the County Superintendent or the principal or their designee to suspend or expel according to law any student who commits one of the following violations:

1. causes or attempts to cause damage to school property or private property located upon school grounds;
2. causes or attempts to cause physical injury to another person; 
3. possesses on their person, or in their locker or automobile or transmits any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object at school;
4. possesses, uses, transmits, or is under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, tobacco, or any other controlled substance without medical sanction for prescriptive substances; possesses any other over the counter medication or drug or pill of any type, kind or nature while on campus without first securing the written permission of the school principal or his designee or school nurse practitioner or for failing to abide by all other prescription or non-prescription drug policies of the Rankin County School District or otherwise; 
5. uses or copies the academic work of another and presents it as his own without proper attribution;
6. defies the valid authority of personnel or refuses to abide by oral or written instruction or directive;
7. is found guilty of inappropriate behavior of any kind which interferes with the ongoing educational process or seriously threatens the physical safety of others or engages in such other conduct that is likely to pose a threat to the educational process and learning atmosphere;
8. fails to follow reasonable requests and directives of a teacher, bus driver, school official or employee or to abide by the rules and regulations of the student handbook of each school which are hereby approved.

DUE PROCESS:

A given suspension shall be for a period of time not to exceed ten school days.  The student will be informed of the charges orally or in writing by the principal or his designee.  If the student denies the charges, he shall be given an explanation of the evidence that has accumulated against him and shall be given an opportunity to refute the charges.  No time delay is necessary between the time a student is notified of charges and the time of hearing before the principal or his designee.  The parent/ guardian/custodian shall be notified in writing of such suspension, and the reasons therefore.  Further, the principal or his designee should make reasonable effort to contact the parent/guardian/custodian via telephone or personal contact to communicate the specific acts for which suspension was ordered and the length of the suspension.  In all cases of student discipline resulting in suspension for ten (10) days or less, the decision of the principal or his designee shall be final and not appealable (Goss vs. Lopez) except that the County Superintendent of Education shall have the discretion to review the record of the principal’s (or designee’s) decision upon written request of the student, his parent or guardian setting forth the reasons why the decision should be reversed or modified within twenty-four (24) hours of such decision, excluding weekends and school holidays.

IMMEDIATE REMOVAL:

If a student’s presence poses a threat of danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption to the academic process, the student may be immediately removed from school.  If a student is sent home during normal school hours, a parent/ guardian/custodian shall be notified before the student is dismissed.

IDEA STUDENTS:

School personnel may order the removal of a student for not more than ten (10) consecutive school days to the extent that such removals would be applied to children without a disability for the same offense or when the student’s behavior is deemed to be dangerous behavior.  Additional removals of not more than ten (10) consecutive school days in that same school year for separate incidents of misconduct may be ordered.

1. 10 Days or Less:  When removals during the first ten (10) day period are less than ten (10) cumulative days, services are not required;


2. Eleven Days or More:  After a student has been removed from his or her current placement for more than ten (10) cumulative school days in the same school year, during any subsequent days of removal, services are provided.

When a student with a disability has been removed for more than ten (10) school days in a school year, a manifestation determination is conducted.  If the behavior is determined to be a manifestation of the disability, an intervention plan will be reviewed and/or revised or implemented, if one is not already completed.

Weapons, Drugs, or Serious Bodily Harm:  School personnel may order the removal of a student that results in a change in placement to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting for not more than 45 days if:  

1. The student carries a weapon to school or to a school function or acquires a weapon at school or at a school function under the jurisdiction of Rankin County School District; or; 
2. The student knowingly possesses on his person, automobile or locker or any area within his control or uses illegal drugs whether prescription, non-prescription or as otherwise defined by law or the Mississippi Code of 1972 as annotated or amended or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance, prescription drug or non-prescription drug while at school or a school function under the jurisdiction of Rankin County School District;
3. The student attempts to or inflicts or threatens serious bodily injury upon another person while at school, on school premises, or at a school function under the jurisdiction of Rankin County School District or off campus as to create a presumption of unwarranted violent behavior which might constitute a threat to the safety or well being of others.

The district may first remove the student for up to ten (10) consecutive school days while convening the IEP committee to determine the student’s interim alternative setting.

The IEP committee will complete a manifestation determination.  If the behavior is a manifestation of the disability, a functional behavioral assessment and positive behavioral intervention(s) will be reviewed and revised or developed.  The IEP Committee will reconvene at the end of the 45 days to review and recommend the appropriate placement. 

NOTIFICATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS:

In the event that a student commits one of the following acts either off school property or on school property or during a school related activity he is subject to suspension or expulsion under this policy and the principal is required to immediately report by telephone and then in writing the act to the appropriate law enforcement agency:

1. aggravated assault resulting in serious physical injury; 
2. sexual assault/battery;
3. sexual offense;
4. rape;
5. kidnapping;
6. indecent liberties with a minor;
7. assault involving use of a weapon;
8. possession of a firearm in violation of the law;
9. possession or use of a weapon in violation of the law;
10. possession, sale, or use of any controlled substance in violation of the law;
11. simple assault upon any school employee;
12. murder;
13. other violent act (action resulting in death or physical harm or attempt to cause death or physical harm to another).

The principal making said required report or participating in any judicial proceeding resulting therefrom shall be presumed to be acting in good faith and, as such, shall be immune from any civil liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed.

LEGAL REFERENCE:  Goss v. Lopez 419 U.S.565 Tinker v. Des Moines  393 U.S.503.

Expulsion (JDE, 6/26/2019)

Expulsion is the denial of school attendance for any period in excess of ten (10) school days sequenced consecutively. The decision to expel a student shall rest with the Board, based on the recommendation of the Superintendent and Principal and the evidence presented at a hearing before the Board or appropriate Hearing Officer, as may be appointed by the Board. Any student considered for expulsion shall receive proper notification consistent with state and federal due process requirements. Said student shall remain on suspension and out of school until such expulsion hearing is held if, in the opinion of the Superintendent, the student’s presence in school could be a disruptive influence to the educational process or within reason constitutes a threat to the health or safety of the student or others. The possession of illegal drugs or weapons or firearms on school property shall be deemed to constitute a threat to the health or safety of the students or others.

Admission or enrollment may be denied for up to one calendar year after the date of the expulsion to any student who has been expelled or is party to an expulsion proceeding for an act involving violence or the threat of violence, weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs, or other activity that may result in expulsion. Students bringing a firearm upon school property shall be expelled for a period of not less than one year, except when the Superintendent modifies such expulsion requirements for an individual student in accordance with special education or disability laws or court decision or act of the legislature or the legal opinion of the Board attorney based upon the given facts, circumstances, or laws.

A given expulsion shall be for a period of time of eleven (11) school days sequenced consecutively (minimum) up to a period of one (1) calendar year (maximum). However, in extreme cases involving acts of violence or potential violence by a student, whether occurring on or off campus, and where the Superintendent has reasonable grounds based upon a due process investigation to believe that such actions constitute a threat or potential threat to the health or safety of others, expulsion may be deemed permanent, subject to court order or to the appeal rights of such student.

For any suspension of more than ten (10) days or expulsions, a student shall have the right to the hearing process. The first step in the process is an appeal to the Disciplinary Determination Committee (DDC). No formal rules of evidence shall apply to DDC meetings.  At such meetings, the principal and student involved may appear and make a brief summary of the facts and circumstances in support of or against a particular charge or charges and in support of or against the disciplinary decision with respect thereto. 

If the student desires to appeal the decision of the DDC, the student shall inform the superintendent of education of such desire to appeal, in writing, by registered mail, within seven (7) days following the decision of the DDC or thereafter be barred from further appeal. 

The student shall have the right to a formal due process hearing, be represented by legal counsel, to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses presented by the district. The student and the student's parent, legal guardian or person in custody of the student may appeal suspension of more than ten (10) days and expulsions to the school board. The standard of proof in all disciplinary proceedings shall be a preponderance of the credible evidence. 

The principal and/or Disciplinary Determination Committee, when contemplating the length of a given expulsion recommendation, and the Superintendent and/or Board, when contemplating a given expulsion, shall consider the following factors prior to making such recommendation or decision:

1. The mental and physical age of the student;

2. The prior academic and disciplinary record of the child;

3. Seriousness of the offense;

4. Whether violence, injury, or real threat of injury to the student or others involved;

5. Whether the act, if committed by an adult, would constitute a felony;

6. In cases of possession of prohibited items, whether such possession is willful on the part of the student;

7. The student’s level of cooperation and truthfulness with regard to the infraction and with regard to any ancillary investigation of infractions by other students;

8. The overall best interest and welfare of the student involved and of the school population overall;

9. The likelihood of a repeat violation by the student involved;

10. The nature and extent and written opinion of professional counseling and/or treatment undertaken by the student with regard to a particular unacceptable behavior associated with the infraction;

11. Any and all other relevant matters and facts associated with the particular infraction, to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Superintendent or designee (assistant superintendent) has the authority to expel any student who commits one of the following violations while on school property or at any school-related activity or off-campus activity or behavior, regardless if that property is owned by Rankin County School District or not:

1. Possession of any controlled substance in violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Law;

2. Possession of a knife, handgun, other firearm or any other instrument considered to be dangerous and capable of causing bodily harm;

3. Commitment, or attempted commitment, of a violent act (any action which results or could result in death or physical harm to another).

4. Any behavior by student on campus or off campus constituting a felony or violation of the felony laws of the State of Mississippi

Such expulsion shall take effect immediately subject to the constitutional rights of due process and a hearing to be afforded the student upon written request for the same, such hearing to be held in a reasonable period of time. The procedure to be followed in the event of such appeal shall be as set forth under the District’s Policy JCAA Due Process.

Upon notification or discovery by the school district that an enrolling student has been expelled or threatened with expulsion from any public or private school or is party to a potential expulsion proceeding, the principal may deny enrollment or admission until the Superintendent (or his designee) has reviewed the student’s cumulative record and disciplinary notes and complete disciplinary files of the previous public or private school, to be immediately provided by the students or his/her parent or guardian, and determined to his/her satisfaction and discretion that the student does not constitute a potential threat to the safety of self or others or has participated in successful rehabilitative efforts or requirements of the previously attended school and the Rankin County School District. Admission may be tentatively approved for students who are party to an expulsion proceeding pending final disposition, provided the student and his/her parent or guardian have been cooperative with the RCSD in submitting all requested records and in the execution and signing of a waiver or waivers releasing all requested disciplinary or other records to the RCSD. If said proceeding results in expulsion, admittance may be revoked.

When a student is expelled for criminal behavior or activity, the Superintendent shall notify the parent/guardian/custodian, youth court, and law enforcement of such action, in writing. 

LEGAL REFERENCE: MS Code 43-21-151, 43-21-261, 37-9-14, 37-15-9; Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 20 USC 2701 et. Seq.; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act; Age Discrimination Act of 1975.

School Searches (JCDA, 11/14/2018)

Students possess the right to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures under the fourth amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Balanced against this right is the school officials’ desire to create and maintain a safe and drug free environment consistent with the educational mission of the school.  School officials have a duty to use reasonable discretion and judgment to the extent economically practical, and within their authority to protect the health, safety and welfare of all students under their authority.
 

Students shall not bring to school items, materials, objects, weapons, knives or substances (i.e. drugs, alcohol, cigarettes) which would tend to be considered as harmful or dangerous or as may disrupt the educational function or process of the school if such were known to the general population of the school or public or which are prohibited by school board policies or local rules or by law or common sense. Examples of such items or objects or of substances in this category include but are not limited to: weapons, ammunition, clubs, explosives, firecrackers, knives, guns, replicas of guns, dangerous or pointed or simulative objects, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products and/or  nonprescription drugs or “scheduled substances” as defined by law, or drug paraphernalia or prescription drugs which have not been first carried to and approved by the Principal to the parent(s) in writing.
 

Reliable circumstances, comments from credible sources, or observed student behavior which may place the safety or health of students or school staff at risk or which could result in substantial property damage also shall constitute “sufficient reason”as probable cause, for school or police officials to conduct a thorough search of all persons or school property or individual property found on campus.  A bomb threat, drug possession (or alcohol or weapon possession) are   examples of such an emergency.  A valid or credible report of a gun in one’s possession or control of an object that resembles a gun is another example.  A valid report of drugs or alcohol in one’s possession or control is another example.  Where “reasonable suspicion” exists, school district administrators shall have a discretion to conduct a search of said properties or persons, in accord with the law and the need to protect students, staff and visitors.
 

STUDENT PROPERTY SEARCHES
 

School authorities are authorized to conduct reasonable searches of students or their property when “reasonable suspicion” (a suspicion based upon factors for which there is a valid reason to believe that a violation of school policy or the law is likely to have – more likely than not – occurred) and facts and reliable reports indicate that a particular student is or has been in possession or control of an item or a substance that represents a violation of school policy or school rules or of the law or that a substantial threatto school decorum and peace or safety exist.  Student property shall include, but not be limited to, purses, bookbags, pockets, clothing, bags and vehicles parked on or near the school campus.  School authorities reserve the right to conduct random or directed sniff searches with animals of school property, student property and student-driven vehicles where “reasonable suspicion” exists to do so and to utilize detection devices such as metal detectors at all times and without “reasonable suspicion,” and to call upon the expertise of and cooperate with law enforcement in this regard.
 

With regard to possession of items that may constitute a violation of law, or school policy or rules, school authorities may wish in their discretion to summons or call the appropriate law enforcement agencies in the interest of preserving the integrity of the educational mission of the school and the safety of all on the premises.
 

LOCKERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PROPERTY SEARCHES
 

Lockers and other storage spaces are provided to students for their temporary use and convenience, but ownership and property interests is retained at all times in the Rankin County School District.  These storage areas remain school owned property and, as such, are subject to periodic inspections and search by school authorities, without notice.  The purpose of such inspections is not to collect evidence of wrong doing on the part of a single student without “reasonable suspicion”, but rather to allow school authorities responsible for the educational mission of the school, the opportunity to confirm that lockers are being used in a positive, safe, legal manner consistent with good school decorum and to promote the health, safety, and welfare of all students.  Students are therefore warned in advance by this policy and otherwise not to store items in these school owned lockers or cabinets which they do not want to bring to the attention of school or law enforcement authorities, or which may be illegal, dangerous or in possible violation of school board policy or school rules.  All students and parents/guardians requesting use of school-owned lockers do hereby give this consent to school district administration to randomly examine the contents of any locker applied for or assigned to any student for purposes of the safety and health of all students at any time.

THE PROCEDURE FOR LOCKER/SCHOOL PROPERTY SEARCHES IS AS FOLLOWS:
 

(a)       Accordingly, students and parents/guardians are hereby notified that the principal or designee shall maintain a list of all locker assignments and retain either a master key or combinations to all lockers before issuing a copy key or lock combination to the student.  The principal or designee shall inform the student at time of assignment of the right of school to conduct periodic random inspections or inspections based upon “reasonable suspicion” as defined, as such locker privilege is discretionary with the principal and may by revoked at any time with or without cause.  The school locker shall remain the property of the RCSD, subject to full discretion of the administration to allow temporary and non-exclusive use thereof by the student(s)

(b)       At the time a student is assigned a locker or other storage space, he or she may  be informed that school authorities are authorized by this policy and empowered to conduct random periodic inspections of school lockers and contents and that each student shall be responsible for the contents and held accountable for all content therefore, as students are not given exclusive privileges to use the property as such privilege is discretionary with the principal and may be revoked at any time with or without cause.

(c)       Students also will be informed of the following locker regulations:

1. Each student is responsible and solely accountable for the contents of the locker assigned to them and shall not share his/her key or lock combination with others and shall not change the lock or combination for any reason without the written consent of the principal.
2. Each student is to keep his/her locker locked at all times with only the lock and key provided by the school principal upon initial assignment, with school district and officials being allowed by this policy to retain an assigned duplicate key or master lock combination.
3. No student shall be allowed to give other students or persons access or a key or the combination code to their individual locker, and student(s) shall not make duplicate keys without written permission of the principal.
4. For the safety and health and best interests of all students, each student desiring use of a school owned locker shall hereafter, sign, along with parent(s) or guardian(s),  Been deemed to have consented to an examination or search of the locker by the school district administration thirty (30) days after public approval of the first reading of this policy by the school board.

STUDENT SEARCHES

The procedures for searching the person or property of the individual students shall be as follows:

(a)       Searches or inspections of students or their property will be authorized by the principal or his designee only.

(b)       A student may be searched by school authorities when school authorities have “reasonable suspicion”, as previously defined, that the search is likely to produce evidence or items or objects or substances that the student has in his or her possession or control that is prohibited by school board policy or rules or by law, as set forth above in this policy.  Such search of the student or his/her property shall be conducted in a reasonable manner and in private where possible with a witness or witnesses of the same gender as the student.  In the event the student has given additional verbal or written consent to the search, such fact shall be noted in the official report of the principal or school official relative to the student or the investigation or examination.

(c)       Searches based upon “reasonable suspicion” should be no more intrusive than necessary to discover that for which the search was instigated.

(d)       Searches based upon “reasonable suspicion” may include, if school authorities think advisable under the circumstances , a frisk or pat-down of student clothing. Frisk or pat-down searches  should be conducted by a member of the same sex as the student and in the presence of another staff member and at all times in private where practical (except in exigent or emergency type circumstances).

(e)       Locker or personal vehicle searches shall be conducted in the presence of another staff member and in the presence of the student responsible for the contents of the locker, if practical, in the discretion of the principal.

(f)       At no time should school officials conduct a search which requires a student to remove more clothing than his shoes or jacket unless the student consents verbally or unless in the discretion of the principal there exists an emergency constituting a threat or  danger to the health, welfare or safety of the student, other students or staff or faculty. If school authorities are convinced that a more intrusive search is required to expose contraband or potential weapons, they should advise the proper law enforcement agency and/or the student’s parents, when practical, as soon as possible, of the grounds for their suspicion and conduct the search either with police participation or parental consent, if practical, under the circumstances.

POLICE NOTIFICATION

(a)       Student searches which disclose evidence of school misconduct, policy or school rules violations, but not criminal misconduct, should be treated according to applicable school board policies or local school rules or procedures regarding expected conduct.

(b)       In the event that a student search discloses evidence of unlawful activity, the principal shall report such activity or acts to the appropriate law enforcement officials as required by law.  If law enforcement officials are notified, the student’s parents should be advised of this fact as soon thereafter as possible or practical as law enforcement may direct.
 

NOTICE OF POLICY
 

Students and parents/legal guardians are hereby and will be provided notice of the district search policies via student handbook distributed to all students and by public adoption of this policy at a public school board meeting.  A copy of said policy shall also be reasonably available for review in the county superintendent’s office and/or principal’s office and on the on-line website or at the specific request of a student or parent or in the school library or office of the principal.  This policy shall be deemed effective thirty (30) days from the date of the first reading of approval by the school board.
 

LEGAL REFERENCE:      Zamora v. Pomeroy 639 F. 2^nd. 662 (10^thDir. 1981); Horton v. Goose Creek Independent School District, F. 2^nd470 (5^thCir. 1982), cert. denied, 103 S. Ct. 35 (1983); New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325, 105 S. Ct. 733, 83 L. Ed. 2^nd720 (1985); Tarter v. Raybuck, 742 F. 2^nd977 (6^thCir. 1984), cert. denied,  105 S. Ct. 1749 1985; MS Code 37-11-29.

Student Drug and Alcohol Testing (JCDABA, 07/19/2023)

Voluntary Student Drug and Alcohol Testing 

In an effort to protect the health and safety of students from illegal and/or performance-enhancing drug use and abuse and to curtail the use of such drugs, the Board of Education (the “Board”) of Rankin County School District (the “District”) adopts the following policy for any student who wants to participate in the Rankin County School District’s Voluntary Student Random Drug Testing Program.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT
 

Although the Board of Education, administration, faculty and staff desire that no student use or possess illegal or performance enhancing drugs, we realize that our power to restrict the possession or use of such drugs is limited.  Therefore, this policy governs only the use and possession of performance-enhancing and illegal drugs by students participating in the Rankin County School District’s Voluntary Student Random Drug Testing Program.  This policy supplements and complements all other policies, rules and regulations of the District regarding possession or use of illegal drugs, including, but not limited to, all policies and rules concerning reasonable suspicion of the use or possession of such illegal drugs.  Implementation and/or application of this policy does not prohibit the application of any other disciplinary policies of the Rankin County School District relative to drug violations by students.  The policy also supplements and complements all laws and policies with respect to special education students.

The purpose of this policy is four-fold:
 

1. To educate students about the serious physical, mental and emotional harm caused by illegal drug use,
2. To alert students with possible substance abuse problems to the potential harms that drug use poses for their physical, mental and emotional well-being,
3. To prevent injury, illness and harm to students that may arise as a result of illegal and performance enhancing drug use,
4. To offer students school activities free of the effects of illegal and performance-enhancing drug use.

The administration shall adopt regulations to implement this policy.

Definitions
Voluntary Student means a member of any grade 7th through 12th or middle school or high school student whose parents or guardian gives consent to their child’s or children’s participation in the random drug testing program.

Drug Test means a scientifically substantiated method to test for the presence of illegal or performance-enhancing drugs, or the metabolites thereof, performed by an independent testing laboratory.

Random Selection Basic means a mechanism for selecting Voluntary Students for drug testing that:

• Results in an equal probability that any Voluntary Student from a group of Voluntary Students subject to the selection mechanism will be selected.
• Does not give the District discretion to waive the selection of any Voluntary Student selected under the mechanism, and
• Is administered by a professional testing laboratory employed by the  District.

Illegal Drugs means any substance that an individual may not sell, possess, use, distribute or purchase under either federal or Mississippi law.  Illegal Drugs includes, but is not limited to, all scheduled drugs as defined by Miss. Code Ann. Sections 41-29-113, 41-29-115, 41-29-117, 41-29-119 and 41-29-121, all prescription drugs obtained without authorization, and all prescribed and over-the-counter drugs being used for an abusive purpose.

Performance-enhancing Drugs include anabolic steroids and any other natural or synthetic substance used to increase muscle mass, strength, endurance, speed or other athletic ability.  The term does not include dietary or nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals and proteins that can be lawfully purchased over-the-counter.

Positive when referring to a drug test administered under this policy means a toxicological test result that is considered to demonstrate the presence of an illegal or a performance-enhancing drug, or the metabolites thereof, using the standards customarily established by the testing laboratory administering the drug test.

Procedures

Each Voluntary Student shall be made aware of this policy, the Student Drug Testing Consent Form, and the Voluntary Random Drug Testing Withdrawal Form.  Both the student and the student’s parent or custodial guardian must read, sign, and date the Student Drug Testing Consent Form. The Voluntary Random Drug Testing Consent Form will be active for the student’s entire tenure at the school in which the consent form was signed.

Voluntary Students will be chosen on a random selection basis from a list of all Voluntary Students and Activity Students.  The District will determine the number of names to be drawn at random for drug testing.  An independent testing laboratory will select the names of the Voluntary Students at random and will perform the drug testing.  Any Voluntary Student selected at random must give urine, saliva, hair or other necessary specimen for testing as necessary at the determination of the testing laboratory.

A professional testing laboratory chosen by the District will administer the drug testing.  The testing laboratory must use scientifically validated toxicological testing methods, have detailed, written specifications to assure chain of custody of the specimens and use proper laboratory control and scientific testing.  A medical review officer of the testing laboratory shall review all positive test results.

The testing laboratory shall conduct all aspects of the drug-testing program, including the taking of urine or other necessary specimens, so as to safeguard the student’s personal and privacy rights to the maximum degree practicable.  The test specimen shall be obtained in a manner designed to minimize intrusiveness to the student.  If at any time during the sampling procedure the testing laboratory employee has reason to believe or suspect that a student is tampering with the specimen, the testing laboratory employee may stop the procedure to determine if a new sample should be obtained.

If the testing laboratory reports positive test results for prescription medications to a student’s parents or guardians, a Voluntary Student or his/her parents or guardians may submit additional information to the testing laboratory within 48 hours of notification of the student of the positive test results.

The professional testing laboratory shall confirm an initial positive test result by a second test of the same before a report is made to the District.  The laboratory will inform the principal of the school and the Superintendent or his designee of positive test results.  After a report of positive test results is made to the District, the principal will schedule a conference with the student and parents or guardian about the positive drug test results. 

If a student, who is a participant in the Voluntary Drug Testing Program, wishes to withdraw from the Voluntary Drug Testing Program both the student and the student’s parent or custodial guardian must read, sign and date the Student Drug Testing Program’s Withdrawal Form and submit such form to the principal at his/her school, the date the Withdrawal Form is signed by the principal will be the date of withdrawal.

    
Confidentiality
The testing laboratory will notify the student’s parents or guardians, the principal of the school that the Voluntary Student attends, and will also notify the Superintendent or his designee of any positive test results.  To keep positive test results confidential, the principal will notify only the student, the student’s parent or guardian.  Test results will be kept in files separate from the student’s other educational records, shall be disclosed only to those school personnel who have a need to know, and will not be turned over to any law enforcement authorities. 

Consequences
Any Voluntary Student who tests positive or refuses a drug test under this policy shall be subject to the following consequences:

• During a 28-day period, immediately following positive test result or refuses to be tested, the student must submit at least once, or more often as required, to mandatory drug testing at times determined by the testing laboratory.
• At the end of the 28-calendar-day period, the Voluntary Student will be tested on the last day of the 28-day period.  At which time, if the testing laboratory determines that the student does not test positive for drugs, the student may be removed from the 28-calendar-day program.
• If the student tests positive or refuses to be tested at any time during the 28-day period, the student shall be recommended for immediate placement in the Learning Center for 2 nine-weeks. This protocol is to be in effect for all illegal drugs with the exception of marijuana.  If the student tests positive for marijuana, the 28-day removal period can be extended to 42 calendar days.  At the end of the 42 day removal period a drug test will be administered to determine a test result.  However, if the student’s level of marijuana metabolites increases during this removal period, this finding is to reflect a second positive and the student is to be immediately placed in the Learning Center for two nine-week periods.
• If the student is reinstated, but at a later date in another random selection, he/she tests positive or refuses to be tested, the student shall be recommended for immediate placement in the Learning Center for 2 nine-weeks.                        

Reviewed at 45 days
Students may be reviewed after 45 days of placement in the Rankin County School District Learning Center. If at the end of 45 days without further discipline or incident referrals, a student has completed the approved RCSD drug education program and tests negative on an early exit drug screening, the student may be considered for dismissal from the Learning Center.

Refusal to Submit to Drug Use Test
If a Voluntary Student fails to fully cooperate or refuses to submit to a drug test, the Voluntary Student shall be considered in violation of his/her consent agreement and will receive a positive drug test result status and will in turn automatically be subject to the guidelines as listed in Consequences.  If, however, the Voluntary Student reconsiders his/her refusal and submits to a drug test within 24 hours of the initial refusal, the Voluntary Student will not be considered in violation of his/her consent agreement.  In this event, the Voluntary Student and his/her parents or guardians will bear responsibility for contacting the testing laboratory used by the District and arranging for the testing laboratory to conduct a test within the 24-hour period from the time the student initially refused to submit to the test.  If the testing laboratory has reason or suspicion to believe that the sample taken from such Voluntary Student has been adulterated or has been tampered with so as to affect test results, the testing laboratory shall deem it a refusal to submit to a drug test.

Counseling
Each time voluntary student tests positive, the student is to receive counseling sessions.  The number of counseling sessions will be determined by the counselor.  However the number of counseling sessions will be no fewer than five (5) and parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to attend the first and last counseling sessions.  If counseling session(s) are refused at any time the student shall be recommended for immediate placement in the Learning Center for two (2) nine weeks.

Student/parent is responsible for making the first counseling appointment within five (5) business days of their positive test notification.  Upon the second or subsequent missed counseling appointment without proper notification the student shall be recommended for immediate placement in the Learning Center for two (2) nine weeks.

Appeal
The District will rely solely on the opinion of the independent testing laboratory to determine whether the positive test result was produced by something other than consumption of an illegal or performance-enhancing drug.  There shall be no appeal of the test results of the professional testing laboratory to a principal, the Superintendent or the Board of Education.

If, however, the Voluntary Student has tested positive for a second time so that the student will be transferred to the Learning Center, the student may appeal his/her transfer to Learning Center to the Superintendent or his/her designee(s) as outlined in policy JCAA.  The Superintendent or designee(s) shall make a determination, which the student may appeal to the Board of Education of the District.  The decision of the Board of Education shall be final.

Rankin County School District is committed to cooperating with parents/guardians in an effort to help students avoid illegal drug use.  The Rankin County School District believes accountability is a powerful tool to help students avoid using drugs and that early detection and intervention can save lives.

Drugs and Alcohol (Possession or Reasonable Suspicion) (JCDAC, 12/14/2022)

Students are prohibited from carrying, possessing in any manner or attempting to possess, using or selling alcoholic beverages, morphine, marijuana, medical marijuana, cannabis derivatives, cocaine, opium, heroin, their derivatives or compounds, drugs commonly called LSD, “pep” pills, tranquilizers, any other narcotic drugs, barbiturates, substances ingredients or compounds which, when taken orally, intravenously, inhaled, or consumed in any other manner, may cause the person to be under the influence thereof or any other controlled substance regulated by law.  This will include any substance which is falsely represented to be a controlled or counterfeit substance.

Likewise, no student shall act in, aid, abet, assist, distribute or conceal the possession, and or the consumption, the purchase or the distribution of any drugs or alcoholic beverages by another student or students.

PROVISIONS
 

The provisions of this policy shall not apply to any student who is under the care of a licensed physician and who is taking medication which is prescribed under the supervision and direction of such licensed physician. The district does not allow the use of medical cannabis or cannabis derivatives while on district property or events. With regard to prescription medications refer to Rankin County School District medication policy JGCD.

The provisions of this policy shall apply to all students during the period of time that they are under and/or subject to the jurisdiction of the Rankin County School District, while participating in or going to or from any school-related activity, at any place where an inter-scholastic athletic contest is taking place, during the course of any field trip, during the course of any trip sponsored by the Board, while under the supervision and direction of any teacher, principal or other authority of this school district, or when such conduct does or may threaten to interfere with or disrupt the educational process or pose a threat to the safety of the student or others.

This policy supplements all other disciplinary policies of the Rankin County School District relative to drug or alcohol violations.  Implementation and/or application of this policy does not prohibit the application of any other disciplinary policies of the Rankin County School District relative to drug or alcohol violations by students and/or staff.

REASONABLE SUSPICION TESTING
 

The Rankin County School District may require any student to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test if there is reasonable suspicion that the student has or is using prohibited drugs and/or alcohol.  Reasonable suspicion must be based on specific contemporaneous physical, behavioral or performance indicators of probable drug and/or alcohol use, which can be articulated.  Requiring a drug and/or alcohol test is within the discretion of the Rankin County School District and is not a prerequisite to the administration of punishment under this policy.
 

Any or all of the following circumstances shall constitute grounds for reasonable suspicion of intoxication (excitement of stupefaction by alcohol or a drug to the point where physical and mental control is markedly diminished):

• Direct observation and/or confirmation by a Rankin County School District employee of drug and/or alcohol use or possession;
• Abnormal or erratic behavior indicating intoxication;
• Physical symptoms indicating intoxication including, but not limited to, glassy or bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, loss of balance, poor coordination or reflexes;
• First-hand information provided by reliable and credible sources of use, possession or intoxication;
• The presence of the drug or alcohol on the student, detectable by the senses, such as the smell of marijuana or alcohol;
• Possession of illegal drugs, prescription drugs for which student does not have a prescription, alcohol containers or drug paraphernalia.

A report from any source indicating reasonable suspicion that a student could be in violation of this policy shall be immediately given to a member of the administrative staff.  The administrative staff member must determine that the circumstances constitute reasonable suspicion of drug and/or alcohol use before a student can be requested to take a drug or alcohol test under these provisions.  The administrative staff member is required to write, in reasonable details, the facts, symptoms or observations, which form the basis of the reasonable suspicion.
 

Once the administrator finds reasonable suspicion, the administrator shall contact the parents/guardians.  The student will be immediately removed from school for a drug/alcohol test to be conducted within 5 hours if the Rankin County School District decides to require submission to such test.

After the test is concluded, the student may not return to school on the day of the drug/alcohol test.  However, the student may return the following school day after the drug/alcohol test at which time a conference will be held by the school administrators and the parents/guardians of the student.

NOTE: If a student admits to being under the influence of a drug(s) and/or alcohol, the student should not be sent for a drug and/or alcohol test.  
 

NOTE:  If a student appears incoherent, semi-conscious, unconscious, convulsive, appears to be hallucinating, is in respiratory distress indicating danger or injury to the health and safety of the student, Rankin County School District personnel shall seek immediate medical attention before any other actions under this policy are undertaken.  The health of the student shall be given priority.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING
 

Any student required to be tested under this policy will, when appropriate, be accompanied by a Rankin County School District employee and a parent/guardian when available to a laboratory, or such other place qualified for drug/alcohol testing at Rankin County School District’s expense.  If circumstances are such that a Rankin County School District employee cannot accompany this student for testing, the parents/guardians will still be required to have the testing completed.  All breath, urine, hair, blood and/or other specimens will be collected under reasonable and sanitary conditions.  Individual dignity and privacy will be preserved to the extent practicable.  Universally accepted standards for testing, labeling, storage and transportation of specimens will be strictly followed by the testing facilities.  The Medical Review Officer will request information regarding prescription and non-prescription drugs and any other information, which could lead to a false positive test.

Refusal or failure to fully cooperate and take a drug and alcohol test under the conditions of reasonable suspicion shall be considered a positive drug and/or alcohol result. 
 

A student or parent/guardian may request a retest, but the results will only be considered if scientifically meaningful, timely performed and in compliance with the Medical Review Officer’s guidelines.  All positive confirmation test results will be made part of a student’s discipline record.  All positive initial test results for which the confirmation test is negative or which are determined to be false positive shall not become any part of the student’s official or discipline record.

The Rankin County School District shall keep the following records for the periods specified as part of its drug and alcohol policy:

• Records of drug and/or alcohol test results which show a student failed both an initial and a confirmation drug/alcohol test (a positive drug test) and the reason for the tests must be kept for five (5) years.
• Records of drug and/or alcohol results which show that the student passed an initial or confirmation test (a negative drug test) must be kept for at least one (1) year but shall not be part of the student’s record.
• Rankin County School District may retain such records for statistical analysis and policy evaluations, as it deems appropriate, consistent with confidentiality.

FINDING OF DRUG AND/OR ALCOHOL USE/POSSESSION

CONSEQUENCES

If the initial test for drugs and/or alcohol indicates a positive result, a confirmation test will be conducted immediately.  Should a confirmation test also indicate a positive result, the building administrator will notify the student and parents/guardian in writing of such positive test results and of the consequences of such a report (expulsion for one (1) calendar year).  If the initial test is negative, no further tests will occur unless there is a good reason to suspect the quality of the sample.
 

CONFIDENTIALITY

The results of a student’s drug test shall not be released to anyone other than the parents or guardians of such student, the testing laboratory, the Medical Review Officer, the Board of Trustees, the Superintendent, assistant Superintendents, principal or building administrator, school board attorney and other employees of Rankin County School District who have a need to know or handle such information, without the express authorization and consent of the student and his/her parent/guardian. 

Any discipline resulting from the circumstances underlying drug testing shall be recorded in the student’s discipline record in accordance with the discipline policies and other policies of Rankin County School District.  In order to maintain confidentiality, written records of drug testing will be stored in a secure location with restricted access.

Rankin County School District will cooperate with law enforcement, but the test results will not be released to law enforcement agencies without a court order or subpoena.  However, nothing in this policy will limit any school official from making the reports required by law to law enforcement agencies.

This policy is implemented in part for the safety and protection of the students, teachers, employees and invitees of this school district and their general welfare and to enhance the educational environment and atmosphere.  Nothing herein contained shall be construed to avoid any prosecution under any pertinent criminal law of the State of Mississippi and this policy shall be in addition to all other existing or future laws or regulations, either federal or state. 
 

This policy shall not supersede and take precedence over any other policy or practice which is inconsistent herewith, except as provided in this policy or by rule of law, but shall be construed as supplemental to any other rule, law or policy provision.

Reference: Policy JGCD Student Health Services--Medicines

Student Drug Testing Program Extracurricular Activities (JCDAB, 07/19/2023)

Extracurricular Activities Student Drug Testing Program
 

In an effort to protect the health and safety of students involved in extracurricular activities from illegal and/or performance-enhancing drug use and abuse and to curtail the use of such drugs, thereby enhancing the health, safety and educational environment for all students, teachers, coaches and tax payers coming upon the premises, the Board of Education (the “Board”) of Rankin County School District (the “District”) adopts the following policy for random drug, steroid or alcohol testing of all students who participate in extracurricular activities.  This policy supplements all other disciplinary policies of the Rankin County School District relative to drug or alcohol violations.  Implementation and/or application of this policy does not prohibit the application of any other disciplinary policies of the Rankin County School District relative to drug or alcohol violations by students and/or staff.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT

Although the Board of Education, administration, faculty, and staff desire that no student use or possess illegal or performance-enhancing drugs, we realize that our power to restrict the possession or use of such drugs is limited.  Therefore, this policy governs only the use and possession of performance-enhancing and illegal drugs or alcohol by students participating in certain extracurricular activities.  This policy supplements and complements all other laws, policies, rules, and regulations of the state or District regarding possession or use of illegal drugs, including, but not limited to, all policies, rules, and laws concerning reasonable suspicion of the use or possession of such illegal drugs.  The policy also supplements and complements all laws and policies with respect to special education students.

Participation in school-sponsored extracurricular activities in the District is a privilege.  Students respect those students who participate in these activities and see them as examples.  Participating students represent the District and their community.  Accordingly, students in these activities carry a responsibility to themselves, their fellow students, their school, their families, and their community to set the highest possible examples of conduct, sportsmanship, and training, which includes avoiding the use or possession of illegal and performance-enhancing drugs.  Therefore, all students so participating do agree to refrain from such activity by enrollment in the school district or the extracurricular activity.

The purposes of this policy are six-fold:

1. To educate students about the serious physical, mental and emotional harm caused by illegal drug, alcohol, or steroid use.
2. To alert students with possible substance abuse problems to the potential harms that drug use poses for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
3. To offer students the privilege of competition and participation in extracurricular activities as an incentive to stop using such substances.
4. To ensure that students adhere to a training program or health regimen that prohibits illegal and performance-enhancing drugs, alcohol or steroids.
5. To prevent injury, illness and harm to students that may arise as a result of illegal and performance-enhancing drug, alcohol, or steroid use.
6. To offer students school activities free of the effects of illegal and performance-enhancing drug use.

Illegal and performance-enhancing drug, alcohol, or steroid use of any kind is incompatible with the physical, mental, and emotional demands placed upon participants in extracurricular activities and with the positive image these students project to other students and to the community on behalf of the District.  To protect the safety, health, and well being of all students involved in extracurricular activities, the District adopts this policy for all participants in specified extracurricular activities in grades 7-12.
 

The administration shall adopt regulations to implement this policy.

Definitions

Activity Student means a member of any school enrolled in grades 7-12 or any other middle school or high school student enrolled in a sponsored extracurricular organization.  This definition includes any student who represents District schools in any extracurricular activity involving competition of any kind, such as academic team, band, vocal, choral, cheerleader, and athletics.  (For example see the attached list of activities for reference purposes only.  The list is not all inclusive.)

Drug Test means a scientifically substantiated method to test for the presence of illegal or performance-enhancing drugs, or the metabolites thereof, performed by an independent testing laboratory.

Random Selection Basis means a mechanism for selecting Activity Students for drug testing that:

1. Results in an equal probability that any Activity Student from a group of Activity Students subject to the selection mechanism will be selected,
2. Does not give the District discretion to waive the selection of any Activity Student selected under the mechanism, and
3. Is administered by a professional testing laboratory employed by the District.

Illegal Drugs means any substance that an individual may not sell, possess, use, distribute, or purchase under either federal or Mississippi law.  Illegal Drugs includes, but is not limited to, all scheduled drugs as defined by Miss. Code Ann. Section 41-29-113, 41-29-115, 41-29-117, 41-29-119 and 41-29-121, all prescription drugs obtained without authorization, and all prescribed and over-the-counter drugs being used for an abusive purpose.

Performance-enhancing Drugs include anabolic steroids and any other natural or synthetic substance used to increase muscle mass, strength, endurance, speed, or other athletic ability.  The term does not include dietary or nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins that can be lawfully purchased over-the-counter.

Positive when referring to a drug test administered under this policy means a toxicological test result that is considered to demonstrate the presence of an illegal or a performance-enhancing drug, or the metabolites thereof, using the standards customarily established by the testing laboratory administering the drug test.

Procedures

Each Activity Student shall be made aware of or given a copy of this policy and of the Student Drug Testing Consent Form and the Extracurricular Student Random Drug Testing Withdrawal Form. Both the student and the student’s parent or custodial guardian must read, sign, and date the Student Drug Testing Consent Form. No student shall be allowed to practice or participate in any extracurricular activity to which the policy applies unless the student has returned the fully executed Student Drug Testing Consent Form.  The District reserves the right to supplement and modify the extracurricular activities to which the policy applies. The student, parents, or guardians shall fully cooperate with the school and testing laboratory, its employees and by enrollment in the school or extracurricular activity consents to fully cooperate with the terms of this policy, the school and the testing laboratory. The Student Drug Testing Consent Form will be active for the student’s entire tenure at the school in which the consent form was signed.

Activity Students will be chosen on a random selection basis from a list of all Activity Students and Voluntary Students, no matter if the activities are off-season or in-season.  The District will determine the number of names to be drawn at random for drug testing.  An independent testing laboratory chosen by the District will select the names of the Activity Students at random and will perform the drug testing.  Any Activity Student selected at random must give a urine specimen or other reasonable, customary and necessary specimens for testing as determined by the testing laboratory or school.

A professional testing laboratory chosen by the District will administer the drug testing.  The testing laboratory must use scientifically validated toxicological testing methods, have detailed, written specifications to assure chain of custody of the specimens and use proper laboratory control and scientific testing.  A medical review officer of the testing laboratory shall review all positive test results.
 
If test results are positive for use of prescription drugs, the Medical Review Officer (MRO) will contact directly the student, to obtain a list of all prescription medications that the student is taking or has taken for the preceding 30 days and to require the parent or guardians to produce verification of prescriptions for the student’s prescription medications within 48 hours.  If the student does not respond to the MRO calls within 48 hours of its first attempt to contact, the MRO shall have no further duty to attempt to contact the student.

If the MRO reports a positive test results for prescription medications to a student, an Activity Student or his/her parent or guardian may submit additional information to the MRO within 24 hours of notification of the student of the positive test results.  The Activity Student will remain eligible for participation in extracurricular activities until the MRO has completed its review of the additional information and made a report of positive test results to the principal and Superintendent.

The professional testing laboratory shall confirm an initial positive test result by a second test of the same specimen before a report is made to the District.  The laboratory will inform the student, parents or guardians, the principal of the school and the Superintendent or his designee of the positive test result.  After a report of positive test result is made to the District, the principal will schedule a conference with the student and parents or guardians about the positive drug test result. 

If a student, who is a participant in the Extracurricular Activity Drug Testing Program, wishes to withdraw from the Extracurricular Activity Drug Testing Program both the student and the student’s parent or custodial guardian must read, sign, and date the Extracurricular Student Random Drug Testing Program Withdrawal Form and submit such form to the principal at his/her school. However, the date of withdrawal will be when the principal of the schools signs the Extracurricular Student Random Drug Testing Consent Form. All students who withdraw from the Extracurricular Drug Testing Program in the middle of a school year will be prohibited from participating in any extracurricular activities for one calendar year.  The calendar year is to begin on the date the Extracurricular Student Random Drug Testing Program Withdrawal Form is submitted to the student’s principal.

Confidentiality
The testing laboratory will notify the principal of the school that the Activity Student attends and will also notify the Superintendent or his designee of any positive test result. To keep a positive test result confidential, the principal will notify only the student, the student’s parents or guardians, the Superintendent of Education or his designee with a need to know and the coach/sponsor of the activity or activities in which the student participates, of the test result.  Test results will be kept in files separate from the student’s other educational records, shall be disclosed only to those school personnel who have a need to know, and will not be turned over to any law enforcement authorities.

Consequences
Any Activity Student who tests positive in a drug test under this policy shall fully cooperate with the school and testing laboratory employees and shall be subject to the following consequences:

1. Immediate removal from activities for 28 calendar days.  During this 28-day period, the student must submit at least once, or more often as required, to mandatory drug testing at times determined by the testing laboratory.  Any refusal of a retest during the removal period will be considered a positive test and result in the student being placed immediately in the Rankin County School District Learning Center for two nine week periods.
2. If at the end of the 28-calendar-day removal period the testing laboratory determines that the student does not test positive for drugs, the student shall be reinstated in the extracurricular activities.  Student will be tested on the last day.
3. If the student tests positive at any time during the 28-day removal period, the student shall be recommended for immediate placement in the Learning Center for two nine-weeks and will be removed from extracurricular activities for a calendar year.  This protocol is to be in effect for all illegal drugs with the exception of marijuana.  If the student tests positive for marijuana, the 28-day removal period can be extended to 42 calendar days.  At the end of the 42 day removal period a drug test will be administered to determine a test result.  However, if the student’s level of marijuana metabolites increases during this removal period, this finding is to reflect a second positive and the student is to be immediately placed in the Learning Center for two nine-week periods  and will be removed from extracurricular activities for a calendar year.
4. If the student is reinstated but at a later date (in the same school year or in another school year) tests positive, the student shall be recommended for immediate placement in the Rankin County School District Learning Center for two nine-weeks and will be removed from extracurricular activities for a calendar year.  Counseling and mandatory follow-up drug testing will continue at the Learning Center.

Reviewed at 45 days
Students may be reviewed after 45 days of placement in the Rankin County School District Learning Center. If at the end of 45 days without further discipline or incident referrals, a student has completed the approved RCSD drug education program and tests negative on an early exit drug screening, the student may be considered for dismissal from the Learning Center.

Refusal to Submit to Drug Use Test
If an Activity Student fails to fully cooperate or refuses to submit to a drug test, the Activity Student shall be considered in violation of his/her consent agreement and will receive a positive drug test result status and will in turn automatically be subject to the guidelines as listed in Consequences.  If, however, the Activity Student reconsiders his/her refusal and submits to a drug test within 24 hours of the initial refusal, the Activity Student may remain eligible for participation in extracurricular activities.  In this event, the Activity Student and his/her parents or guardians will bear responsibility for contacting the testing laboratory used by the District and arranging for the testing laboratory to conduct a test within the 24-hour period from the time the student initially refused to submit to the test.  If the testing laboratory has reason or suspicion to believe that the sample taken from such Activity Student has been adulterated or has been tampered with so as to affect test results, the testing laboratory shall deem it a refusal to submit to a drug test.

Counseling                                                                                                                                                                               
Each time an activity student tests positive, the student is to receive counseling sessions. The number of counseling sessions will be determined by the counselor. However the number of counseling sessions will be no fewer than five (5) and parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to attend the first and last counseling sessions. If counseling session(s) are refused at any time the student shall be recommended for immediate placement in the Learning Center for two (2) nine weeks. Student/parent is responsible for making the first counseling appointment within five (5) business days of their positive test notification.  Upon the second or subsequent missed counseling appointment without proper notification the student shall be recommended for immediate placement in the Learning Center for two (2) nine weeks.

Appeal
The District will rely solely on the opinion of the independent testing laboratory to determine whether the positive test result was produced by something other than consumption of an illegal or performance-enhancing drug.  There shall be no appeal of the test results of the professional testing laboratory to a principal, the Superintendent or the Board of Education.

If, however, the Activity Student has tested positive for a second time so that the student will be transferred to the Learning Center, the student may appeal his/her transfer to Learning Center to the Superintendent or his/her designee(s) as outlined in policy JCAA.  The Superintendent or designee(s) shall make a determination, which the student may appeal to the Board of Education of the District.  The decision of the Board of Education shall be final.

Rankin County School District is committed to cooperating with parents/guardians in an effort to help students avoid illegal drug use.  The Rankin County School District believes accountability is a powerful tool to help students avoid using drugs and that early detection and intervention can save lives.

Gang Activity (JCBB, 3/8/2017)

It is unlawful in the State of Mississippi to organize fraternities, sororities, or secret societies in the public high schools; for a public school student to be a member of such organizations; and to solicit student membership in such organizations. Students in violation of this policy are subject to suspension or expulsion.

Gang activity which initiates, promotes, or advocates activities that threaten the safety or well-being of persons or property on school grounds or which disrupts the school environment are harmful to the educational process. The use of hand signals, graffiti, or the presence of apparel, jewelry, accessory or manner of grooming which, by virtue of color, arrangement, trademark, symbol, or any other attribute which implies membership or affiliation with such a group, presents a clear and present danger and is to be discouraged by school officials.

Students displaying interest, involvement, or affiliation with a gang shall be subject to disciplinary action and will be encouraged to seek involvement in authorized school organizations to enhance self esteem and promote activity that can have a positive impact on the student.

LEGAL REFERENCE:      MS Code 37-11-37, 37-11-39, 37-11-41, 37-11-43, 37-11-45.

Bullying (JDDA, 4/24/2024)

The Board of Trustees of the Rankin County School District prohibits bullying or harassing behavior of students, school employees, or volunteers. The Rankin County School District will make every reasonable effort to ensure that no person or school employee is subjected to bullying or harassing behavior by other students or other school employees. 

I. Definitions

Bullying or harassing behavior is any pattern of gestures or written, electronic or verbal communications, or any physical act or any threatening communication, or any act reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic that:  (a) places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property, or (b) creates or is certain to create a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student’s education, including, but not limited to, educational performance, opportunities, or benefits. 

A “hostile environment” means that the victim subjectively views the conduct as bullying or harassing behavior and the conduct is objectively severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would agree that it is bullying or harassing behavior.

The above conduct constitutes bullying if that conduct interferes with a student's education or substantially disrupts the operation of a school.

Bullying or harassing behavior will not be condoned or tolerated when it takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, or on a school bus, or when it takes place off school property when such conduct, in the determination of the school superintendent or principal, renders the offending person’s presence a disruption to the operation of the educational environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole.

The District encourages anyone who has witnessed or has reliable information that a student or school employee has been subject to any act of bullying or harassing behavior to report the incident to the appropriate school official.  Retaliation or reprisal against any person, including a victim, a witness, or another person who in good faith provides information concerning an incident of bullying or harassing behavior, is prohibited.

The Rankin County School District recognizes the fundamental right of every student to take “reasonable actions” as may be necessary to defend himself or herself from an attack by another student who has evidenced menacing or threatening behavior through bullying or harassing. 

“Reasonable action” includes , but is not limited to, promptly reporting the bullying or harassing behavior to a teacher, principal, counselor or other school employee. 

These procedures shall be appropriately placed in the District personnel policy handbooks, school handbooks that include discipline policies and procedures, and any other policy or procedure that deals with student or employee behavior. 

The School Board directs the superintendent or designee to design and implement procedures for reporting, investigating, and addressing bullying and harassing behaviors.

REFERENCE:      Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, §37-11-67 and § 37-11-69

Alternative Education

1. REFERRAL DETERMINATION: REGULAR EDUCATION STUDENTS

Students who are severe discipline problems CAN be referred to the Alternative School at the discretion of the home school principal, provided space is available. Placement can occur at any point during the school year that is deemed appropriate by the principal. In order for The Learning Center to be considered an appropriate placement for a student, there must be evidence of interventions for Tier 1, 2 and 3 for behavior (and academic if applicable) with data to support decision-making in the RTI folder.

1.    REFERRAL DETERMINATION: STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES The District-Wide IEP Committee must be convened prior to a change in placement for a student with a disability to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting for not more than 45 days.

2.    LENGTH OF STAY: If a student is referred to the Learning Center within the first ten (10) days of the grading period, they will be reviewed at the end of the following grading period. If a student is referred to the Learning Center after the first ten (10) days of the grading period, they will be required to remain for that grading period and two additional nine week grading periods. Students that are enrolled at the Alternative School before the four and one half weeks of a grading period may be eligible for early return if there is a mutual agreement between the Learning Center and home school administration. (RCSD Policy IEI Exhibit)

3.    CHANGE OF PLACEMENT: Once the local school determines that the appropriate placement for a student is at the Alternative School, the local school principal will: (a) contact the Alternative Education Center principal to set the date for the student to report for the entrance conference (b) inform the student’s parents of the change in placement and the date for the entrance conference via phone or in writing (c) send the necessary documents to the County Office to be reviewed by the Assistant Superintendent. If approved, the referral will then be sent to the Alternative Education Center principal on or before the entrance conference date.  *Alternative School personnel will be responsible for providing assignments and grades to all long-term placement students.

4.    STUDENT CONTRACT: During the entrance conference at the Alternative Education Center, the Alternative Education Center principal and counselor shall develop a contract WITH the student that specifies the requirements for re-entry into the local school. The contract will include a plan for modification of behaviors for which the student was sent to the Alternative School, academic goals, and other goals as determined appropriate at this conference. Progress toward meeting the specifications shall be documented on a basis to be established at this meeting.

5.    COUNSELING: It is the intent of the District to provide students at the Alternative Education Center with instruction in conflict resolution and/or counseling on a consistent basis. Issues contained in the student’s individual contract will be addressed in the effort to work toward transitioning the student back to the local school.

6.    EXIT COMMITTEE: The Exit Committee shall meet one week prior to the end of each grading period to consider students eligible for re-entry into the local school setting. Records of students who have served eighteen weeks will be reviewed relative to progress made toward meeting the specifications in his individual student contract. A determination regarding re-entry into the local school setting will be made. **Students will re-enter local schools ONLY after grading period has ended.

7.    RE-ASSIGNMENT TO ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL: Students who have exited the Alternative School can be considered for re-admittance to the facility if a serious infraction is committed after a (Tier 3) Behavior Intervention Plan has been implemented at the home school.

8.    LOCAL SCHOOL FUNCTIONS/GROUNDS: Students assigned to the Alternative Education Center are not allowed on local school grounds during their tenure at the alternative school assignment. Additionally, these students are not allowed to attend any local school sponsored function.

9.    TRANSPORTATION: Students will be afforded the privilege of bus transportation daily to and from the Alternative School. This transportation includes pick up at the student’s home or his designated alternative school route bus stop, delivery to the Alternative Education Center, and drop off at the same location in the afternoon. Alternative Education students can be suspended from bus transportation under the same guidelines as regular students. Students can also be transported to the alternative school by their parents at the parent’s expense if the parents so choose. No student will be allowed to drive himself/herself to the alternative school.

Equal Educational Opportunities (JAA, 3/8/2017)

The Rankin County School District grants equal educational opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, marital status, religion, or disability.

It is the intent and desire of the Rankin County Board of Education that equal educational opportunities be provided in any and all educational programs and activities.

Legal Reference: MS Code 37-15-35; 1972 Educational Amendments, Title IX; 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title VI; 1973 Rehabilitation Act, Section 503 & 504; 45 CFR Part 84 and Part 86; Brown vs. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954); MS Public School Accountability Standards 

Section 504 Procedures (Students) (IDDHB, 2/22/2017)

Rankin County School District adheres to a policy of non-discrimination in educational programs, activities, and employment and strives affirmatively to provide equal opportunity for all as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which prohibits discrimination against the handicapped.

It is the responsibility of all teachers in the regular education program to do all that is within their professional capability to ensure that all students can learn and are successful in the regular education program.  To this end, the Rankin County School District has established procedures within the regular classroom for assisting students with special needs.  The Rankin County School District will adhere to the document THREE TIER INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL TEACHER SUPPORT TEAM as its procedural guidelines in complying with the requirements of:  Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Title II – Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The model consists of three tiers of instruction:

• Tier I      Quality classroom instruction based on MS Curriculum Frameworks and district instructional initiatives
• Tier II     Focused supplemental instruction
• Tier III    Intensive interventions specifically designed to meet the individual needs of students

REFERENCE:    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Individuals with  
    Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Title II – Americans with Disabilities
                            Act (ADA) 

CROSS REFERENCE:  JAA and IEI

Dress Code for Students (JCDB, 7/19/2023)

The Board encourages students to be dressed and groomed in a manner which reflects good taste, decency, and pride in appearance as this will contribute to the maintenance of a proper learning environment and will portray a favorable image of the individual and the school.

Safety, health, sanitation, individual dignity, respect for the educational process, and a non-disruptive learning environment provide the basis for the dress code.  If the clothing, hair, cosmetics, jewelry, or general appearance of a student constitutes a health threat or possible distraction to the educational process, the teacher may counsel with the student about the attire or grooming.  The principal or his designee may take disciplinary action as appropriate to maintain standards of dress and grooming in the school, which shall include, but not be limited to, suspension from classes or school or expulsion.  The principal shall have the discretion and final authority in declaring whether or not clothing or grooming is in violation of this dress code.  Compliance with this student dress and grooming code shall be the responsibility of the individual and parents to comply within guidelines established and this policy.

• A Rankin County School District provided form of I.D. must be worn at all times by students enrolled in all RCSD middle and high schools.

• Sunglasses, hats, caps, headbands, curlers, or other headgear shall not be worn in the buildings, unless prescribed by a doctor.

• Shoes or sandals shall be worn at all times.  No roller shoes of any type are permitted.

• Clothing, including face masks/coverings, with suggestive, obscene, or disruptive, or vulgar designs, pictures, symbols, slogans, or statements that cause a disruption to or detract from the educational process are not permitted.  This shall include, but not be limited to:  nude/semi-nude figures; pictures or logos of alcoholic beverages or cigarettes, obscene gestures or words, or words/pictures that depict prohibited substances or actions; gang marks, drawings, designs or emblems; figures in sexually suggestive postures.

• No see-through clothing or halter tops shall be worn.  Shirts/blouses must cover the stomach and top of the shoulders.

• Shorts may be worn by students in grades K-4 as long as such does not constitute, in the sole discretion of the principal, a possible disruption to the educational process is uninterrupted.

• Clothing in grades 5-12 shall not be excessively low or loose fitting in front, back, under the arms, or around the waist, so as to reveal the chest, the entire shoulders, the mid back area, or lower body areas.

• Dresses and skirts shall not be more than or shorter than six inches while standing from the middle of the kneecap in grades 5-12.

• Hemmed shorts may be worn in grades 5-12 if they are not shorter than six inches while standing from the middle of the kneecap.

• No skirts, dresses, or shorts shall be split to such length or worn in such a way as to reveal a student’s undergarments.

• No shorts worn by any student shall be so short in length or so wide as to leg circumference as to reveal a student’s undergarments.

• No clothing worn by any student in grades 5-12 shall be so tight-fitting so as to reveal the outline of undergarments or contour of the body, which may create a distraction to the educational atmosphere of the school district, with the exception of school uniforms approved by school administration.

• Leggings may be worn in grades 5-12 with such over-garments that are not shorter than six inches from the middle of the kneecap.

• Jewelry worn in such a manner that the instructional environment, safety and/or health of a student may be jeopardized is forbidden, as determined in the discretion of the principal.

• Any dress or personal appearance that the administration has evidence is disruptive, inappropriate, or presents a safety hazard to student or as a possible disruption to the educational/instructional process will be dealt with on an individual basis according to the discretion of the principal.

• If the message of a piece of clothing or mask is at issue, the principal shall not discipline the student based on the viewpoint expressed absent actual evidence of disruption, or evidence-based anticipation of disruption to the educational environment.

• If a student disciplined under this policy believes their clothing expression has been targeted based on its viewpoint, then the student may appeal a decision to the school board to be heard by the school board or its designated hearing officer at or before the next meeting of the school board.

Campus Safety Protocol

Students must have a RCSD provided I.D. badge visible at all times during the school day and could be required for extracurricular activities.

I.D. badges may not be damaged or defaced and could be required for the following access:
·      ENTRY TO THE BUILDING
·      CAFETERIA
·      LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER
·      ZERO BLOCK
·      FIELD TRIPS
·      EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES OR SCHOOL-SPONSORED EVENTS
·      OTHER ACTIVITIES/EVENTS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Habitual abuse and/or refusal to follow the Rankin County School District I.D. Badge Campus Safety Protocol could lead to disciplinary actions which include, but are not limited to, detention, ISS, OSS, and non-participation in school day events/activities.

Replacement badge procedure:
·      1st occurrence - $1 temporary badge replacement fee (to be collected on the 5th occurrence)
·      2nd occurrence - $1 temporary badge replacement fee (to be collected on the 5th occurrence)
·      3rd occurrence - $1 temporary badge replacement fee (to be collected on the 5th occurrence)
·      4th occurrence - $1 temporary badge replacement fee (to be collected on the 5th occurrence)
·      5th occurrence - $1 (total of $5 from all 5 occurrences to be collected to print a replacement badge)
 

Student Records (JR, 10/11/2017)

Permanent records and cumulative folders shall be collected, maintained, and disseminated in compliance with state law, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the confidentiality section of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and State regulations.

Information in the permanent record and cumulative folder of individual students shall include:

1. Date of birth (verified by certified birth certificate)


2. Record of attendance


3. Grades


4. Immunization records


5. Other data as prescribed by the State Board of Education

PERMANENT RECORD

The permanent record, while active, shall be kept in a fire resistant container in the school office.  A record is considered active as long as the child is enrolled or, if the child withdraws, until the class of which he was a member has graduated. 

Once the permanent record is no longer active, it can be placed in a central fire resistant depository designated by the Board or at the school last attended.  The permanent record SHALL NEVER be destroyed (unless complete copies of inactive records have been made on photographic film or microfilm) and is ALWAYS kept on file by the district.

CUMULATIVE FOLDER

The cumulative folder shall be kept in the school wherein the student is in attendance.  If the student transfers to another school, the cumulative folder shall be furnished to the head of the school to which the student transfers.  The cumulative folder may be destroyed by order of the Board in not less than five (5) years after the permanent record of the student has become inactive.

ACCESS/RELEASE OF RECORDS

Both the permanent record and cumulative folder shall be available to school officials, including teachers within the district who have a legitimate educational interest in the pupil.  In no case shall such records be available to the general public nor shall any personally identifiable information be released without the consent of the eligible student, parent or guardian of the student except to the following parties provided the data will be used as specified in the request:

1. Officials of other schools or school systems in which the student seeks or intends to enroll, upon condition that the student’s parents be notified of the transfer, receive a copy of the record if desired, and have an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of a record;
2. Other school officials, including teachers within the District who have been declared to have legitimate educational interest, a list of whom shall be maintained by the principal;
3. Authorized representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States, the Secretary of Education, the Commissioner of Education, the Directory of the National Institute of Education, the Assistant Secretary for Education, or State educational authorities;
4. In connection with a student’s application for, or receipt of, financial aid;
5. State and local officials or authorities to which such information is specifically required to be reported or disclosed pursuant to State statue;
6. Organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions for the purpose of developing, validating, or administering predictive tests, administering student aid programs, and improving instruction, if such studies are conducted in such a manner as to not permit the personal identification of students and their parents by persons other than representatives of such organization;
7. Accrediting organizations in order to carry out their accrediting functions;
8. Parents of a dependent student of such parents, as defined in Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954; or
9. In compliance with judicial order, or pursuant to any lawfully issued subpoena, upon condition that parents and the students are notified of all such orders of subpoenas in advance of the compliance therewith by the educational institution.

Transcripts of courses and grades may be furnished when requested by the parent/guardian.
 

PARENTAL ACCESS TO RECORDS

The Board insures that the parent/guardian of a student shall have full and free access to review all official records directly related to the student.  Further, the parent/guardian can obtain a copy of said record at a fee not to exceed the cost of duplication, can request an explanation or interpretation of those records, and can challenge the content of said records through a hearing process.  Whenever a student has attained the age of eighteen, or is attending an institution of post secondary education, the required consent and rights accorded to the parent shall thereafter only be required of and accorded to the student.

Requests for access to records should be made by parents/guardians or eligible students in writing to the principal.  Access shall be granted within a reasonable time but in no case more than forty-five days after receipt of the request.  Parents/guardians shall not be required to waive their right to access records. 

Parents that have completed the Parental Use and Responsibility Acknowledgement Form as well as provided valid personal identification to appropriate school officials may be given access to the Parent Portal of Power School. This on-line service will allow parents the opportunity to view a variety of student information such as grades and student attendance.
 

MILITARY ACCESS TO RECORDS

Recognizing the challenges faced by military recruiters, Congress recently passed legislation that requires high schools to provide to military recruiters, upon request, access to secondary school students and directory information on those students.  Both the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the National Defense Authorization Act reflect these requirements.

In accordance with those Acts, military recruiters are entitled to receive the name, address, and telephone listing of juniors and seniors in high school.  This requirement is consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which protects the privacy of student education records.  Student directory information will be used specifically for armed services recruiting purposes and for informing our students of scholarship opportunities.

Rankin County School District parents have the right to request that the information not be disclosed without prior written consent. This request is called an “Opt Out” request and may be completed at the school counselor’s office.

CONSENT FOR RELEASE OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION

Where the consent of a parent or eligible student is required for the release of education records, it shall be in writing, be signed and dated by the person giving such consent and shall include a specification of the records to be released, the reasons for such release and the names of the parties to whom such records will be released.  Further, a copy of the records to be released shall be provided on request to the student’s parents or the student if the age of eighteen has been attained or the student is in a post-secondary institution.

AUTHORITY OF PARENT TO GIVE CONSENT

Any parent of a student may give a written parental consent.  Where parents are separated or divorced, a written parental consent may be obtained from either parent, subject to any agreement between such parents or court order governing the rights of such parents.  In the case of a student whose legal guardian is an institution, a party independent of the institution shall be appointed pursuant to State and local law to give a written parental consent.

If parental consent is not given and the refusal seems to fit a pattern of child neglect or abuse, this refusal will be considered as evidence for a decision to refer the entire case to the proper legal authorities for resolution.                              

RELEASE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The District shall give public notice annually of the categories of information which it   has designated as directory information and shall allow fourteen days after such notice has been given for a parent to inform the District that any or all of the information designated should not be released without the parent’s prior consent.

RECORD OF ACCESS

Each principal shall maintain a record, kept with the education records of each student, which will indicate all parties other than those specified who have requested or obtained access to a student’s education records, such access having been granted in accord with provisions heretofore set.  The record shall list specifically the legitimate interest that each such party has in obtaining the information.

Such record of access shall be available only to parents or eligible students, be the principal and his assistants who are responsible for the custody of such records and to persons or organizations authorized heretofore.

AMENDMENT OF RECORDS

Parents of students and eligible students shall have opportunity to a hearing to challenge the content of education records in order to insure that the records are not inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of students, and to provide an opportunity for the correction or deletion of any such inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate data contained therein and to insert into such records a written explanation of the parents and eligible students respecting the content of such records.

INFORMAL HEARING

The principal should attempt to settle a dispute with the parent of a student or an eligible student regarding the content of the student’s education records through informal meetings and discussions with the parent or eligible student.
 

Such meeting shall be held within fourteen days of receipt of a written or personal request by the parent or eligible student for the meeting, unless extenuating circumstances dictate a longer period of time.  If the request to amend is denied, the parent/guardian or eligible student shall be notified of the decision and the right to a formal hearing.

FORMAL HEARING

Upon the written request of either party (the principal or the parent or eligible student), a formal hearing shall be conducted as follows:
 

1. The hearing shall be conducted within fourteen days of the request for the hearing.

2. The hearing shall be conducted, and the decision rendered, by an institutional official or other party who does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing;


3. The parents or eligible student shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised under the challenge;


4. The decision shall be rendered in writing within 15 days of the conclusion of the hearing;


5. Parents or eligible students shall be afforded full rights to place in the record a statement setting forth reasons for disagreement with any material contained therein;


6. The decision of the hearing officer shall be final, subject to Board and judicial review;


7. Relative to the special education program only, if as a result of the hearing, the officer decides that the records are accurate, parents may request that the State Department of Education special education director appoint a hearing officer to review the case.  The parents and local agency shall have an opportunity to present evidence relative to the case.  The hearing officers decision is binding on both parties subject only to appropriate administrative or judicial review.

DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS

The District may destroy any records, (if not otherwise precluded by law) except that access be granted prior to the destruction of education records where the parents or eligible student has requested such access.

Relative to the special education program only, all personally identifiable data, except that which is kept in accordance with law, will be destroyed within a period of five years following the end of services to a child, except for records required by the law to be kept.

Files will be purged within 60 days following an individual’s graduation or termination of services, except permanent records as required by statute.

Parents will be informed prior to destruction of the information and of their right to receive a copy of this information.

COLLECTION OF DATA

Collection of data within each school shall be made under the supervision of the principal and shall be made by only those individuals trained to do so.

STORAGE OF RECORDS

All records which contain personally identifiable data, other than directory information and materials necessary to daily instruction, shall be maintained and stored in a secure and fire-resistant container or location.  For security purposes, the cumulative folders and permanent records SHALL be kept in separate locations. 

NOTIFICATION BY DISTRICT

The District shall annually and publicly inform parents and eligible students of the following:
 

1. The types of education records and information contained therein which are directly related to students and maintained by the institutions;
2. The name and position of the official responsible for the maintenance of each type of record, the persons who have access to those records and the purposes for which they have access;
3. The policies of the institution for reviewing those records;
4. The procedures for challenging the content of education records;
5. The procedures established by the District for hearings to challenge content of records maintained by the District;
6. The categories of information which have been designated as directory information.

The notice provided to a parent or eligible student under this section shall be in the language of the parent or eligible student.

CONFIDENTIALITY OFFICER

The District shall appoint a confidentiality officer to insure accomplishment of the procedure heretofore listed.

The confidentiality officer shall participate in those training programs sponsored by supportive agencies which will increase management competency.

COMPLAINTS

A parent/guardian or eligible student may file a written complaint regarding an alleged violation by the District of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.  All such complaints should be directed to:

                                      
 Family Policy Compliance Office

                                         U.S. Department of Education

                                         400 Maryland Avenue, SW

                                         Washington, D.C.  20202-4605
 

LEGAL REFERENCES:      Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 USC Section

                                            1232; Individuals with Disabilities Education Act;

                                            Elementary and Secondary Education Act;

National Defense Authorization Act.

Automobile Use (JGFF, 9/14/1994)

Driving on school roads and parking on school property is a courtesy offered to students and others by the Board.  The parking facilities of the District are to be used for school purposes only.  School purposes include attendance at school or other school activities which occur before or after the regular school day.  Violators may be charged with trespassing and/or vehicles towed at owner expense.

The principal shall establish rules and regulations to assure traffic safety and to set procedures for student use of private vehicles.

The District shall not assume responsibility for damage to vehicles.

Students shall be responsible for locking their vehicles upon arrival as the District shall assume no responsibility for any loss.  Students shall not sit in or upon vehicles on the school campus.  Student automobiles are subject to administrative searches.

Failure to abide by vehicle regulations may result in the loss of the right to bring a vehicle to school, or other disciplinary action.

Cell Phone/Electronic Devices (JE, 6/26/2019)

The Board specifically finds in its discretional judgment that to maintain an appropriate educational and learning environment for the students and teachers that it is in the best interest of the students, the learning process, and environment of the school district that these rules and policies be hereby adopted and disseminated:

The use of any electronic communication devices including, but not limited to, cellular phones, personal digital assistance devices, lasers, related communication products or devices, or other electronic items by students is prohibited during the administration of scheduled statewide tests and in any classroom setting or instructional setting or endeavor of the school district or other prohibited setting as determined by the principal or County Superintendent of Education located upon any campus of the Rankin County School District, except when used in conjunction with direct teacher supervision of students or instruction and at the request of the teacher or principal.
 

Any student violating this policy (by use of such device in an instructional or educational setting, gymnasium or classroom setting or interior building setting where students may be instructed or supervised) shall be subject to having such equipment or communication device or cellular telephone temporarily confiscated by any school official (the principal or his/her designee or authority) and/or temporary or permanent suspension from the possession of such device for the remainder of the school year.

Consequences for possession of a cell phone and/or other prohibited electronic equipment:

1^st offense $15.00 fine or phone held 5 school days in the office
2^nd offense $25.00 fine or phone held 10 school days in the office
3^rd offense $35.00 fine or phone held 20 school days in the office

4^th offense The cell phone and/or other electronic device will remain in the office until the end of the school year. 

Any electronic communication device used during any administration of statewide tests will be confiscated for the duration of the school year and may result in suspension of the student from the regular school environment for the remainder of the year and possible placement into the alternative school setting.

Provided further that for sufficiently documented safety or medical or health reasons, the principal of each school upon approval of the County Superintendent of Education shall have discretion and authority to grant exceptions to this policy.

Use of Tobacco and Smoking Devices (JCDAA, 3/8/2017)

Communicable Diseases (JGCC, 1/11/1995)

Students who are infected with chronic and/or infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, shall attend the school and classroom to which they would be assigned if they were not infected.  Decisions about any changes in the educational program of a student infected with a chronic/infectious disease shall be made on a case-by-case basis, relying on the best available scientific evidence and medical advice.
 

Procedure for Determining Appropriate Educational Program for Students with Chronic/Infectious Diseases:

The superintendent should be informed that a student is infected with a chronic/infectious disease and shall instigate this standard procedure to ensure the safety of persons in the school setting and to plan an appropriate educational program for the person with the illness.

The superintendent shall determine whether the person who is infected has a primary or secondary infection that constitutes a recognized risk of transmission in a school setting.  This shall be accomplished by consulting with the infected person’s physician, a qualified public health official who is responsible for such determination, and the infected student’s parent or guardian.  This group will be consulted for anticipating the needs of the infected student.

The superintendent shall not alter the student’s educational program unless there is an infection present that constitutes a medically recognized risk of transmission in the school setting.  Further, the privilege of participating in physical education, athletic programs, competitive sports and recess is not conditional on the student’s medical status relative to the infectious disease.  Reasonable recommendations will be made to allow infected students to participate in school sponsored physical activities.  The status of the case shall be periodically reviewed by the superintendent or his designee through consultation with the student’s parent/guardian, physician and/or public health official.  The following shall be included in the decision-making process:

1. Age of the affected student
2. School setting
3. Student’s control of bodily secretions
4. Risk of infection to the affected student by other persons
5.  Need for special educational services

If the student has an infection that constitutes a medically recognized risk of transmission in the school setting, the superintendent shall consult with individuals as described above to develop an educational plan tailored to the infected student’s needs.  The plan shall be medically, legally, educationally and ethically sound.  Periodic review shall be a part of the implementation of the plan with revisions made as deemed appropriate by the superintendent.

The superintendent shall consult with the school board attorney to make certain that any official action is consistent with federal and state law relative to these issues.  Once a decision has been made, a fair and confidential process for appealing the decision shall be made available to the parent/guardian.

Utmost confidentiality shall be observed throughout this process by every employee.  The people who shall know the identity of a student who is infected with a chronic/infectious disease (such as HIV/AIDS) are those who will determine whether the infection constitutes a medically recognized risk of transmission in the school setting.  They are as follows:

1. Superintendent or his designee
2. Physician of the infected person
3.  Public health official (identity released to this official only if necessary)
4.  School principal (identity released to this official only with parental permission)

Others may be notified of the identity of the infected person if the decision-makers feel it is essential to protect the health of the infected student, upon obtaining written, specific consent for notifying these additional persons from the infected student’s parent/guardian.

All information related to the case shall be kept in a locked file by the superintendent with access granted only to those persons who have written consent of the infected student’s parent/guardian and emergency medical personnel.  Any staff member who violates confidentiality will be subject to disciplinary action and may be liable to a lawsuit.  Information regarding disease status shall not be added to a student’s permanent educational record without written consent.
 

Testing:

Mandatory screening for communicable diseases that are not spread by casual, everyday contact, such as HIV infection, shall not be a condition for school entry or attendance.
 

Infection Control:

The district shall follow the most current guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for preventing transmission of infectious diseases at all times and in all settings.  The precautions include:

1. Wash hands with soap and water after contact with bodily fluids as soon as possible.
2. Clean all spills of blood and other bodily fluids immediately with disinfectant (1 part bleach to 9 parts water).
3. Wear gloves when cleaning up blood spills and when in contact with bodily fluids.  Gloves shall be worn when it is reasonably anticipated that the employee may have hand contact with blood, mucous membranes, non-in-tact skin, and other potentially infectious materials.
4. Alert the district safety officer if a situation occurs that presents a reasonable risk of transmitting an infection.
5. Counsel any person exposed to an infectious agent to seek appropriate medical evaluation.  Alert parent/guardian if the person exposed is a student.
6. The infected student will have access to voluntary, confidential, age appropriate counseling.

The schools will keep supplies needed for meeting these infection control guidelines reasonably accessible to employees.

Legal Reference: U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines; Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Updated Student Health Records should be completed and returned on all RCSD students annually by parents/guardians.

School district personnel will adhere to district policies and procedures regarding giving medicine at school.

Many illnesses can be stopped before they spread by reminding everyone to practice frequent hand washing, blowing noses into tissues, covering mouths when coughing or sneezing, and asking other parents about sick symptoms in their kids before arranging play dates and carpools. Even the best hygiene practices can’t avoid the spread of all illnesses at school. Sometimes staying home is the only way to benefit our kids, our communities, and ourselves. Please refer to the following guidelines when trying to determine if your child should stay home or go to school when sick.

FEVER

Fever is a symptom of illness and not an actual diagnosis. Fever usually indicates that the body is battling an infection. A child with a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater must stay home from school until the fever is gone. If your child appears sick with fever, call your doctor to have your child evaluated. Fever reducers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, while effective in lowering temperatures, only masks underlying infection and does not remedy the child’s illness. Please be sure your child is fever-free, without the use of fever reducers, for 24 hours before allowing him/her to return to school. Time out of school may be longer, depending upon a diagnosis and/or physician recommendation. RCSD reserves the right to send students home who exhibit elevated temperatures and/or other symptoms related to infectious diseases.

COUGH

Cough alone may not prevent your child from attending school unless it is interfering with a child’s sleep or ability to participate in school activities. If the cough is productive and has phlegm or is associated with fever or trouble breathing, keep your child home from school and arrange to have the child seen by their pediatrician immediately.

SORE THROAT

Children can attend school with mild sore throats if no other symptoms are occurring. A doctor should evaluate any child with a sore throat associated with fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing before returning to school. A child with a diagnosis of strep throat needs to stay out of school until on antibiotics and fever free without the use of fever reducing medications for 24 hours.

VOMITING OR DIARRHEA

A child with vomiting, with or without diarrhea, needs to stay home from school. Your child can return to school when the symptoms have stopped and the child can tolerate a regular diet. Please keep your child home until he/she has been without vomiting or diarrhea (less than 3 episodes) for 24 hours. Once an episode of vomiting or diarrhea has occurred at school, the student will be sent home and may return to school after the above criteria is met.

RED, SWOLLEN, DRAINING EYES (CONJUNCTIVITIS)

If your child wakes up with one or both eyes stuck together with drainage or crust, if the eye(s) become red or swollen, if they are painful and/or itchy, then your child should remain home and be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible. This could be contagious. If your child is sent home with red eye(s) or discharge, your child may return to school 24 hours after treatment is started or when there is no drainage from the eye(s).

RINGWORM

Ringworm is caused by a fungus that grows on the skin, not by a worm. Ringworm is characterized by a round pink/red rash with a raised, rough, scaly border. As the rash grows outward, getting larger as the infection spreads, the center tends to clear. Left untreated, it is usually somewhat itchy. Students with ringworm should not have to miss school. They should, however, receive treatment for the condition either topically with an over the counter medication or orally with a prescription medication. Skin to skin contact with others should be avoided to prevent the spread of infection. In order to stay at school, students with ringworm(s) must keep the infected area covered with a band-aid or dressing while at school. Ringworm of the body can be spread on towels, clothing, or sports equipment. Ringworm of the scalp can spread from child to child when children share hats, combs, or brushes. Personal hygiene is important in preventing the spread of ringworm. Note: Ringworm on the scalp or nails requires oral medication, which must be prescribed by a medical professional.

SCABIES

Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite. The most common symptoms of scabies are intense itching and a pimple-like rash. The mite is spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies. Scabies is treated with medication, which is prescribed by a doctor. The student may return to school after 24 hours of treatment.

STAPH (STAPHYLOCOCCUS)

Staph is a common germ that lives on the skin and in nasal passages that can cause skin infections. Staph is treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. The affected area should be covered while at school unless the infection is around the nose or the mouth. If the infection is around the nose or mouth, the student may not return to school until there is no drainage and they have received antibiotic treatment for at least 24 hours

MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM

Molluscum Contagiosum is a common skin disease that is caused by a virus. The disease is generally mild and should not be a reason for concern or worry. People with this skin disease can cause the bumps to spread to different parts of their body by touching or scratching a bump and then touching another part of the body. The virus can also be spread from person to person. The bump(s) must be covered with clothing or a bandage while the child is at school to prevent transmission to others.

RASHES

Many rashes will resolve spontaneously and are not reason alone to keep a child home from school. Any rash 72 associated with symptoms such as trouble breathing, swallowing, fever, or ill appearance should be evaluated by your child’s physician immediately. Rashes that are itchy or scaly may be contagious and should be evaluated by your child’s physician before sending a child back to school.

HEAD LICE

If a student is found to have lice (live bugs) at school, parents will be notified and the student will be sent home that day. The student can return to school the next day once an FDA approved over the counter treatment or prescription product for lice is used, and proof of treatment (empty bottle or receipt) must be submitted. Parents should consult with their healthcare provider or a pharmacist to make sure treatment is appropriate for the student and for treatment recommendations. MS Code 41-79-21 states that any student in any public elementary or secondary school having head lice on more than three occurrences during the school year must be reported to the county health department for help treating lice. The student will not be allowed to return to school until he/she has been to the Rankin County Health Department and has no nits. If lice (live bugs) have been found on three consecutive occasions and the student has already been seen by the County Health Department and the student is still found to have lice (live bugs) at school, the student will be required to see their primary care physician for treatment options. Parents must provide the school with a letter from the physician in order to return to school. If the problem continues to be recurrent, the school principal or administrator shall determine whether or not a DHS referral will be warranted based on the number of days of school missed. Note: Parents or guardians are reminded that a successful treatment regimen for lice includes the use of over the counter or prescription shampoo as directed, removal of all nits (gray/white eggs attached to the hair shaft), and treatment/cleaning of the home (i.e., laundering bed linens, vacuuming carpet and couches, containing stuffed animals).

Fee Policy (JS, 9/22/2021)

The School Board hereby authorizes principals to charge reasonable fees, but not more than the actual cost, for the following categories:

1.    Supplemental instructional materials and supplies, excluding textbooks;

2.    Other fees designated by the superintendent as fees related to a valid curriculum educational objective, including transportation; and

3.    Extracurricular activities and any other educational activities of the school district which are not designated by the superintendent as valid curriculum educational objectives, such as band trips and athletic events.

All fees authorized to be charged under this policy, except those fees authorized under (3) above, shall be charged only upon the condition that a financial hardship waiver may be granted upon request pursuant to the following.

FINANCIAL HARDSHIP WAIVER POLICY

All fees authorized to be charged under subsections (1) and (2) of the Fee Policy above shall be charged only upon the following conditions:

1.    Applications for hardship waivers shall be kept in the strictest of confidence with all files and personal disclosures restricted from review by the general public.

2.    Pupils eligible to have any such fee waived as a result of an inability to pay for said fees, shall not be discriminated against nor shall there be any overt identification of any pupil who has received a financial hardship waiver by use of special tokens or tickets, announcements, posting or publication of names, physical separation, choice of materials or by any other means.

3.    In no case shall any of this school district's procedures expose any pupil receiving a hardship waiver to any type stigma or ridicule by other pupils or school district personnel.

4.    The confidentiality provisions of this policy shall apply equally to any students who have an inability to pay any fees authorized by this policy.

In no case shall the inability to pay the assessment of fees authorized under the provisions of this Fee Policy result in a pupil being denied or deprived of any academic awards or standards, any class selection, grade, diploma, transcript or the right to participate in any activity related to educational advancement. In order to request a financial hardship waiver a student or parent must complete the financial hardship waiver form below and submit it to the principal.

The superintendent shall establish administrative procedures consistent with this policy for its implementation and duplicate the attached form for use by applicants. §37-7-335

Legal Reference: MS Code 37-7-335; 37-7-301(ff)

Emergency Closings (EBBD)
Emergencies (EBDB)

Emergency Closings (EBBD, 8/28/2024)

This school board recognizes and accepts its duty and authority to maintain and operate all the schools under its control for such length of time during the year as may be required. 

Upon application from the school board, the superintendent of schools may close any school because of an epidemic prevailing in the school district or because of the death, resignation, sickness or dismissal of a teacher or teachers or because of any other emergency necessitating the closing of the school. The superintendent is hereby authorized to declare an emergency and to close schools and district offices or dismiss them early in event of natural disaster, inclement weather or other emergencies which threaten the safety, health, or welfare, of students or staff members.

The superintendent will take such action only after consultation with transportation, emergency management, weather authorities or other agencies as necessitated by the circumstances. The superintendent shall notify the school board of the decision to close the schools. However, all such schools so closed shall operate for the required full time after being reopened during the scholastic year, unless the school board of the local school district submits a plan to alter the school term that is approved by the State Board of Education.

DISASTER EMERGENCY

If this school board determines that it is not economically feasible or practicable to operate any school within the district for the full one hundred eighty (180) days required for a scholastic year as contemplated due to an enemy attack, a manmade, technological or natural disaster, or extreme weather emergency in which the Governor has declared a disaster or state of emergency or the President of the United States has declared an emergency or major disaster to exist in this state, the school board may notify the State Department of Education of the disaster or weather emergency and submit a plan for altering the school term.

If the State Board of Education finds the disaster or extreme weather emergency to be the cause of the school not operating for the contemplated school term and that such school was in a school district covered by the Governor's or President's disaster or state of emergency declaration, it may permit that school board to operate the schools in its district for less than one hundred eighty (180) days; however, in no instance of a declared disaster or state of emergency under the provisions of this subsection shall a school board receive payment from the State Department of Education for per pupil expenditure for pupils in net enrollment in excess of ten (10) days.                                                                                                                                                     

Should it become necessary to close any or all of the schools by reason of weather or other emergency condition, the superintendent will notify principals and the media prior to 6:00 a.m. if possible. If no such announcement is made, it should be concluded that all schools will operate as scheduled. 

EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS

The district shall provide sufficient notice (before the close of the prior school day) to staff and students for any weather-related or other unforeseen virtual days. When instances occur that make virtual learning impractical, the district shall either make up any missed days or use the days as weather days as allowed under Mississippi law.

Each principal will be responsible for developing a system of notification and action for the staff members under his supervision.

1. In the event of emergency school closings, all assistant principals, secretaries, cafeteria managers and custodians will report for duty, if safely possible, until released by the principal. 
2. All principals will remain on their respective campuses until released by the superintendent.  
3. All central office, maintenance and bus garage personnel will report for duty until released by the superintendent.

Should severe weather or an emergency condition develop during the school day requiring the emergency closing of schools, notification of the dismissal time for students will be the same procedure as that utilized before school.  Certified and classified personnel will be dismissed at the direction of the principal subject to the completion of all assigned duties for that school day.

Should schools not be closed when severe weather or emergency conditions exist, the judgment of parents, regarding their children's exposure, will be respected.
 

Leave Due to Declared Emergency Closures

The school board may, in its discretion, provide additional administrative leave with pay for all employees (professional, certified, and classified) in the event of declared emergency closures.

Emergencies (EBDB, 7/11/2001)

The administrative staff at each school building shall maintain a current School Safety/Crisis Management plan approved by the School Board annually, inclusive of procedures to follow for fire, hazardous weather, tornado, earthquake, nuclear attack, civil disorder, or other crisis situation.  The warning system and appropriate procedure shall be known and provided to all personnel in the respective schools.  Regular safety drills should be planned and executed in accordance with applicable emergency management guidelines and specific school procedures.

The principals and teachers in each building shall familiarize the students with the crisis management and civil defense operations plans, which include actions to be taken in case of fire, tornado, hazardous weather condition, earthquake, nuclear attack, civil disorder, or other crisis situation.

LEGAL REFERENCE: MS Code 37-11-5, MS Public School Accountability Standards.

Public Conduct Policy (EBA)
Public Complaints (KL)
Parent Conferences (IHABA)
Student Health Services–Medicines (JGCD)
Fund Raising – Students (JK)
Gifts to Schools (DFK)
English Learners
Parental Involvement (LA)
Title I Parental Involvement (LAA)

Public Conduct Policy (EBA, 10/12/2022)

VISITATION ON CAMPUS

The Rankin County Board of Education welcomes visitors to the schools of the District. All persons entering a school building other than for attendance at a scheduled activity open to the general public must report directly to the office of the principal to request a visitor’s permit.  Such permits are not required of students of that school or employees of the Rankin County School District.  Persons failing to comply with this policy will be considered trespassers and shall be liable for prosecution. The principal shall have the right to deny visitation rights to any individual if in the judgment of the principal the visit might negatively affect the classroom procedures and/or might endanger public health.

PROHIBITION OF TOBACCO USE

The Rankin County Board of Education recognizes that the use of tobacco products represents a health and safety hazard which can have serious consequences for both the user and non-user and the safety of the District.  In order to protect the students, staff and guests of the District from an environment that may be harmful to them, the Board hereby prohibits the use of tobacco products by all staff members, employees, visitors or guests on all public school property throughout the Rankin County School District.  Any violators of PL 641 will be subject to being issued a citation by law enforcement officers and/or being fined.  Anyone convicted under this act will be recorded as violating a criminal statute.

It is specifically directed that the ban on the use of tobacco products be in effect twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and will apply to anyone present on District property without exception.

It is further understood that this policy will be in addition to existing Board policy concerning the prohibition of the use of tobacco products by students on school property and school buses.

PROHIBITION OF WEAPONS

The Board recognizes that the possession of handguns, firearms or other dangerous instruments or weapons on school premises or at school functions by persons other than duly authorized law enforcement officials creates an unreasonable and unwarranted potential risk of injury or death to District employees, students, visitors and guests and further creates an unreasonable and unwarranted potential risk of damage to properties of District employees, students, visitors and guest.

Because of such dangers, the Board hereby prohibits the possession of handguns, firearms or weapons or instruments that could possibly be used as a weapon in any form and as otherwise defined by district policy, by any student, employee of the district or any other visitor or individual on school property or at school functions, regardless of whether any such person possesses a valid permit to carry such handgun, firearm or weapon.

It is the responsibility of every employee to report to his/her principal or immediate supervisor or the person responsible for supervising a school event any knowledge of the possession of a handgun or other weapon on school premises or at any school-related activity by any individual. Appropriate steps shall then be taken to carry out the intent of this policy, including notification of police officials, so that persons in possession of such weapons promptly leave school premises or activities and/or are refused admittance to school buildings or events.

Public Complaints (KL, 7/12/1995)

All complaints pertaining to schools made by patrons or citizens should be made first to the principal of the school. If not settled there, concerns should be directed to the Superintendent and, if need be, to the Board for final action.

Parent Conferences (IHABA, 8/10/1994)

Student Health Services–Medicines (JGCD, 12/14/2022)

The principal or his designee may administer prescription medicines to students in their charge only under the following conditions:

1. The parent/guardian must request in writing that such service be provided by completing a RCSD “Consent for Medications at School” form (one form per medication).
2. The parent/guardian requests must include prescriber authorization (to be completed by a physician or licensed practitioner) and include the name of the prescribing physician, the name of the medicine, the dosage prescribed, the route to be taken, and the time(s)/frequency to be given for both over the counter or prescription medication(s).
3. Medicines checked in at the school must be in their original prescription or unopened over the counter container with the information label attached.
4. The first dose of any medication registered at the school must be given by the parent/guardian at home to ensure there are no adverse drug reactions. All medication(s) registered at school must be taken in the presence of the principal and/or their designee.
5. The parent/guardian consent for medication(s) at school and the physician order for the medication must be kept on file for a period of one full year.
6. Medications not picked up at the end of the school year on or before the last day of school will be discarded.
7. Under no circumstances are students to transport or carry medication(s) to or from school (with the exception of asthma inhalers and epinephrine pens if RCSD policy to carry these medications has been followed). All medications must be registered in the school office by the parent/guardian. Any student found transporting, carrying, or dispensing over the counter or prescription medication(s) of any kind will be subject to suspension or other disciplinary action.

All medications so entrusted to the school shall be kept in a secure, specific limited access storage space designated by the principal. 

ASTHMA INHALERS

A student with asthma shall be permitted to possess and self-administer asthma medications at school and school-sponsored activities/programs under the following conditions:

1. The parent/guardian gives written authorization for self-administration of asthma medication and acknowledges that the school shall incur no liability and the parent/guardian shall indemnify and hold harmless the school and its employees against any claims relating to self-administration of asthma medications by signing a RCSD “Consent for Medications at School” form or School Asthma Plan.
2. The parent/guardian provides an asthma action plan from the student’s health care practitioner indicating that the student has asthma and has been instructed on self-administration of asthma medications.  This plan must also include:  the name and purpose of the medication, severity of asthma condition (mild, moderate, severe), the prescribed dosage, the time(s) the medication can be administered, any special circumstances regarding administration of the medication, steps to take in the event of an emergency or life threatening event, and the length of time for which the medication is prescribed. 
3. If a student uses his/her medication in a manner other than prescribed, he/she may be subject to disciplinary action under the school codes. The disciplinary action shall not limit or restrict the student's immediate access to the medication.

The permission for self-administration of asthma medications shall be in effect for the school year in which it is granted, necessitating renewal each school year. Inhalers or asthma medication(s) not picked up at the end of the school year on or before the last day of school will be discarded. RCSD will not be responsible for any equipment not picked up on or before the last day of school.

EPINEPHRINE PENS

A student with severe allergies shall be permitted to possess and self-administer epinephrine medications at school and school-sponsored activities/programs under the following conditions:

1. The parent/guardian gives written authorization for self-administration of epinephrine medication and acknowledges that the school shall incur no liability and the parent/guardian shall indemnify and hold harmless the school and its employees against any claims relating to self-administration of epinephrine medications by signing a RCSD “Consent for Medications at School” form or School Allergy Plan.
2. The parent/guardian provides information from the student’s health care practitioner indicating that the student has severe allergies and has been instructed on self-administration of epinephrine medications.  This plan must also include:  the name and purpose of the medication, the allergen to which the child is allergic to, the prescribed dosage, the time(s) the medication can be administered, any special circumstances regarding administration of the medication, steps to take in the event of an emergency or life threatening event, and the length of time for which the medication is prescribed.         
3. If a student uses his/her medication in a manner other than prescribed, he/she may be subject to disciplinary action under the school codes. The disciplinary action shall not limit or restrict the student's immediate access to the medication.        
4. The school board authorizes the school nurse or trained school employee to administer auto-injectable epinephrine to a student who the school nurse or trained school employee, in good faith, believes is having an anaphylactic reaction, whether or not the student has a prescription for epinephrine.

The RCSD will follow all regulations set forth in state law 37-11-71. The permission for self-administration of epinephrine medications shall be in effect for the school year in which it is granted, necessitating renewal each school year. Epi-Pens or Epinephrine medication(s) not picked up at the end of the school year on or before the last day of school will be discarded.

Definitions:
1. "Auto-injectable epinephrine" means a medical device for the immediate administration of epinephrine to a person at risk for anaphylaxis.
2. "Asthma and anaphylaxis medication" means inhaled bronchodilator and auto-injectable epinephrine.
3. "Self-administration of prescription asthma and/or anaphylaxis medication" means a student's discretionary use of prescription asthma and/or anaphylaxis medication.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Rankin County School District does not allow the administration or use of medical cannabis while on district or school property or at school district events. Students are absolutely prohibited from possessing any form of medical marijuana or cannabis derivatives. Possession of such items will result in disciplinary actions as outlined in RCSD Board Policy and notification of local law enforcement when applicable.

Fund Raising – Students (JK, 5/24/2017)

The Board recognizes that it may become necessary for schools or organizations within or outside the schools to engage in fund-raising activities in order to meet identified curricular or extra-curricular needs of the students.  These efforts are permissible under the following guidelines:

1. the principal must approve any fund-raising project prior to its beginning, taking into consideration the cost/benefit ratio and whether or not the project is appropriate or beneficial to the official or extra-curricular programs of the school;
2. any proceeds of the fund-raising activities shall be treated as “activity funds” and are accounted for under those procedures;
3. fund-raising activities conducted for the sale of school pictures, the rental of caps and gowns, or the sale of graduation invitations shall contain a disclosure statement advising that a portion of the proceeds of the sales or rentals shall be contributed to the student activity fund, if the school is to receive a commission, rebate or fee; (EXAMPLE – NOTICE:  This sale is being conducted as a fund raising event.  A portion of the sales price will be contributed to the student activity fund.)
4. principals may approve charging a reasonable fee for participation in an extracurricular activity for academic or non-academic credit for necessary and required equipment such as safety equipment, band instruments, and uniforms;
5. the principal may approve, at his discretion, the conduct or participation in fund-raising activities on behalf of or in connection with a tax-exempt charitable organization, remitting all monies collected to said charitable organization;
6. the principal must approve any sale or rental of items to students even if such is not conducted for fund raising purposes for the school, taking into consideration the benefit to students, the cost to parents, and the method of payment to the vendor;
7. the principal may authorize collection of funds for organizations outside the school (PTO, boosters, etc.) at his discretion, setting guidelines for utilization of school personnel during school hours for this purpose and relinquishing accountability for these funds to the identified outside organization;
8. the principal shall establish prices to be charged by the school for admission to extracurricular activity events (athletic games, etc.), with the utilization of pre-numbered tickets required if it is anticipated that the event will generate gross receipts in excess of $100.

LEGAL REFERENCE: MS Code 37-7-301; Financial Accounting Manual for Mississippi School Districts, July 1, 1992.

Gifts to Schools (DFK, 5/26/2021)

GIFTS AND BEQUESTS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT/DONATED ASSETS

Items and donations contributed to the Rankin County School District will become the property of the district and shall be subject to the same controls and regulations which govern the use or disposal of all district owned property.  The Board reserves the right to reject any contribution to the district which does not serve to enhance or extend the work of the schools.

All donations and contributions (monies and personal property) in an amount of $500 or more shall be formally submitted to the Board for acknowledgement and acceptance.  The Minutes shall reflect the contributor, amount, and purpose for the donation, if any.  Any monies donated shall be deposited into the appropriate fund.

The principal shall have the authority to accept and acknowledge all donations and contributions (monies and personal property) to their school valued at less than $500 on the date of donation.  Any such monies shall be receipted into the school’s activity fund and deposited in that bank account.

Crowdfunding Projects:

“Crowdfunding” is defined as an internet-based request for resources from individuals and organizations to support activities or projects that enhance an educational program.  

It is the preference of the Rankin County School Board that employees utilize sites funding supplies or equipment rather than monetary donations.

The following guidelines apply to any crowdfunding project: 

1. Any person (including employees) or entity acting on behalf of any school, or the district as a whole, and wishing to conduct crowdfunding, online fundraising, or any other online donation campaign for the benefit of any school, or the district as a whole, shall begin the process by seeking PRIOR written approval from the school principal.  Written approval must be obtained using the district’s crowdfunding application. 
2. All items (monies and personal property) obtained through crowdfunding projects using the school or district name are to become the property of Rankin County School District. 
3. All monetary donations should be recorded by the school bookkeeper in the School Activity Fund.  No school banking information should ever be disclosed by individuals to anyone outside the district.  A check should be requested to be mailed to the school in the name of the school and not to an individual.
4. Crowdfunding items in an amount of $500 or more shall be formally submitted to the school board for acknowledgement and acceptance.
5. Inventory policies and procedures of the district apply to property obtained through crowdfunding projects.
6. Any cost of installation is the responsibility of the donor unless otherwise agreed to by the school district. 
7. Some crowdfunding sites are tax deductible and some are not. It is not the responsibility of the school or school district to determine if the donation is tax deductible. The district will not provide a Form 990 for crowdfunding donations.
8. Crowdfunding that would obligate the school system to future operating or upkeep costs must be approved by the school board.
9. Teachers and employees must comply with student privacy and other requirements set out in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and all other applicable laws and regulations. Thus, student images, names, and descriptions which would cause students to be identifiable or would allow logical deductions about disabilities or other factors deemed to be within the student sphere or privacy must not be used on such websites or elsewhere unless written, parental permission is secured in advance.

LEGAL REF.:   MS CODE as cited

                           Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards

CROSS REF.:    Policy DM Fixed Assets

                           Policy JK Fund Raising – Students

Crowdfunding Application

English Learners

The district is committed to the identification, assessment, and placement of English Learners (EL) in an environment that facilitates appropriate and effective instruction to meet the special needs of these students. English Learner teachers and classroom teachers alike share the responsibility for the EL's whole education, both in language and academic content. Classroom teachers, EL teachers, and other support staff plan jointly to determine instructional accommodations and modifications needed to make language and content as comprehensible as possible throughout the whole school day for ELs.

The newly revised Mississippi English Learner Guidelines: Regulations, Funding Guidance, and Instructional Supports (2018) by the Mississippi Department of Education provides RCSD with a clear understanding of the responsibilities towards EL students. To see additional and detailed information regarding English proficiency instruction, please refer to Policy IK.

Parental Involvement (LA, 11/11/1998)

All schools are encouraged to have a formal parent-teacher association/organization in which parents, teachers and administrators work together for the support and improvement of the schools.

Each school’s association/organization must have formalized by-laws that receive principal and membership approval.

Title I Parental Involvement (LAA, 6/28/2017)

ESEA PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT POLICY

PART I: GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

1)  The Rankin County School District recognizes the importance of a positive parent/school partnership and encourages all schools to involve parents in the educational program. This parent and family engagement policy was developed with input from parents, teachers, administrators and students. It is reviewed annually and revised as needed. The Rankin County School District agrees to implement the following statutory requirements in schools currently being served as school-wide Title I schools:

a)   The school district will put into operation programs, activities and procedures for the engagement of parents in all of its schools with Title I, Part A programs, consistent with section 1116 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).  Those programs, activities, and procedures will be planned and operated with meaningful consultation with parents of participating children.

b)   Consistent with section 1116, the school district will work with its schools to ensure that the required school-level parental engagement policies meet the requirements of section 1116(b) of the ESEA, and each include, as a component, a school-parent compact consistent with section 1116(d) of the ESEA.

c)   The school district will incorporate this district-wide parent and family engagement policy into its LEA plan developed under section 1112 of the ESEA.

d)   In carrying out the Title I, Part A parental engagement requirements, to the extent practicable, the school district and its schools will provide full opportunities for the participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, including providing information and school reports required under section 1111 of the ESEA in an understandable and uniform format and, including alternative formats upon request, and, to the extent practicable, in a language parents understand.

e)   If the LEA plan for Title I, Part A, developed under section 1112 of the ESEA, is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, the school district will submit any parent comments with the plan when the school district submits the plan to the Mississippi Department of Education.

f)   The school district will involve the parents of children served in Title I, Part A schools in decisions about how the one (1) percent of Title I, Part A funds reserved for parental engagement is spent, and will ensure that not less than 90 percent of the one (1) percent reserved goes directly to the schools, with priority given to high-need schools.

g)   The school district will be governed by the following statutory definition of parental involvement, and expects that its Title I schools will carry out programs, activities and procedures in accordance with this definition:

The term “parental involvement” means the participation of parents in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities, including ensuring—

(1) That parents play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning;

(2) That parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education at school;

(3) That parents are full partners in their child’s education and are included, as appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child;

(4) The carrying out of other activities, such as those described in section 1116 of the ESEA.

PART II: DESCRIPTION OF HOW DISTRICT WILL IMPLEMENT REQUIRED DISTRICT-WIDE PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT POLICY COMPONENTS

1)   The Rankin County School District will take the following actions to involve parents in the joint development of its district-wide parental engagement plan under section 1112 of ESEA:

a)   Establishing a district-wide Parental Engagement Steering Committee. This Steering Committee will jointly develop, with district staff, the district parental engagement plan.

b)   Developing a Strategic Plan for each school that includes strategies for increasing parental/community engagement. Parents and staff members develop the school’s Strategic Plan.

2)   The Rankin County School District will take the following actions to involve parents in the process of school support and improvement under section 1111(d) of the ESEA:

a)   Hosting an “Open House” for all parents early in the school year at each school building. Parents meet with classroom teacher, Title I teachers, and itinerant staff to learn about curriculum, annual objectives, and teacher expectations.

b)   Scheduling parent-teacher conferences twice a year in every school in the district. Conferences may also be scheduled whenever a parent or teacher deems a conference would be necessary or beneficial.

3)   The Rankin County School District will provide the following necessary coordination, technical assistance, and other support to assist Title I, Part A schools in planning and implementing effective parental engagement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance:

a)   Providing timely support, information, and services to staff in participating Title I programs

b)   Hosting “School Attendance Zone Meetings” to discuss individual strategic plans, student test scores, and strategies for communicating and involving parents in their child’s education.

c)   Designating a Parent/School Liaison at each school site to encourage and support parent engagement activities.

d)   Developing a Stakeholder committee, which includes parents, to develop, monitor and revise program activities.

e)   Hosting meetings, events, celebrations, and conferences that invite parents and community members to learn more about program goals and activities.

f)   Offering parent workshops on a variety of topics specific to each program such as literacy, child development, drug and alcohol issues, arts education, and technology integration.

4)   The Rankin County School District will take the following actions to conduct, with the engagement of parents, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of this parent and family engagement policy in improving the quality of the Title I, Part A schools. The evaluation will include identifying barriers to greater participation by parents in parental engagement activities (with particular attention to parents who are economically disadvantaged, and disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background). The school district will use the findings of the evaluation about its parent and family engagement policy and activities to design strategies for more effective parental engagement, and to revise, if necessary (and with the involvement of parents) its parent and family engagement policies.

a)   Conducting annual surveys of parents to evaluate the effectiveness of parental engagement activities provided by each school and the district.

b)   Utilizing survey results in the strategic planning process for each school and the district. Each school has a designated Parent/School Liaison who will assist in the evaluation and planning process.

c)   Offering each parent in the district the opportunity to provide feedback to the school and district staff on program activities and parental engagement plans.

5)   The Rankin County School District will build the schools’ and parents’ capacity for strong parental engagement, in order to ensure effective engagement of parents and to support a partnership among the school involved, parents and the community to improve student academic achievement, through the following activities specifically described below. The school district will, with the assistance of its Title I, Part A schools, provide assistance to parents of children served by the school district or school, as appropriate, in understanding topics such as the following—

(1) Mississippi’s academic content standards,

(2) Mississippi’s student academic achievement standards,

(3) Mississippi’s and the local academic assessments including alternate assessments,

(4) The requirements of Part A,

(5) How to monitor a child’s progress, and

(6) How to work with educators.

The Rankin County School District will provide assistance on these topics by undertaking the actions described below:

(a)  Providing appropriate training for parents in appropriate settings so that parents can learn about child development, state and district academic standards and assessments, and show parents how to work with their children to improve their children’s achievement including monitoring a child’s progress and working with teachers/school staff.

(b) Arranging meetings at flexible times to maximize the opportunities for parents to participate.

(c)  Coordinating workshops and classes and provide information on statewide and out-of-state conferences that focus on improving parental engagement in their child’s education.

(d) Providing, with the assistance of its schools, materials and training to help parents work with their children to improve their children’s academic achievement, such as literacy training, and using technology, as appropriate, to foster parental engagement, by sponsoring programs for parents and community members on a variety of topics such as literacy, child development, drug and alcohol issues, and technology throughout the school year.

(e)  Educating teachers, pupil services personnel, principals, and other staff, in how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners, in the value and utility of contributions of parents, and in how to implement and coordinate parent programs and build ties between parents and schools, by:

(1) Sponsoring programs for parents and community members on a variety of topics such as early childhood development, literacy, child psychology and proper healthcare throughout the school year.

(2) Offering programs to parents of preschool age children in collaboration with local and state services.

(f)  Sending information related to the school and parent-programs, meetings, and other activities to the parents of participating children in an understandable and uniform format, including alternative formats upon request, and to the extent practicable, in a language the parents can understand by:

(1) Providing documents of a professional quality,

(2) Complying with all federal requirements for parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children.

PART III: DISCRETIONARY DISTRICT-WIDE PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT POLICY COMPONENTS

1)   In addition, the Rankin County School District will provide additional services to the parents and community through the school year.  These activities may include, but are not limited to:

a)   Involving parents in the development of training for teachers, principals and other educators to improve the effectiveness of that training;

b)   Providing necessary literacy training for parents from Title I, Part A funds if the school district has exhausted all other reasonably available sources of funding for that training;

c)   Paying reasonable and necessary expenses associated with parental engagement activities, including transportation and child care costs, to enable parents to participate in school-related meetings and training sessions;

d)   Training parents to enhance the engagement of other parents;

e)   In order to maximize parental engagement and participation in their children’s education, arranging school meetings at a variety of times, or conducting in-home conferences between teachers or other educators, who work directly with participating children, with parents who are unable to attend those conferences at school;

f)   Adopting and implementing model approaches to improving parental engagement;

g)   Establishing a district wide parent advisory council to provide advice on all matters related to parental engagement in Title I, Part A programs;

h)   Developing appropriate roles for community-based organizations and businesses, including faith-based organizations, in parental engagement activities; and

i)   Providing other reasonable support for parental engagement activities under section 1116 as parents may request.

LEGAL REFERENCE:          Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Section 1116

As part of an annual notification for compliance with the Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Response Act (AHERA), the Rankin County School District hereby informs all parents, teachers, and employees of their option to review the Asbestos Management Plan semi-annual surveillance inspection reports and the three year reinspection reports which are on file in the principal’s office at each school as well as the Rankin County School District Administration Office Building at 1220 Apple Park Place, Brandon, MS 39042. The Rankin County School District, in compliance with AHERA requirements, has inspections of all asbestos containing materials (ACM) within the district conducted by Pickering Firm, Inc. Any changes are recorded in the surveillance report (AHERA book) of the management plan.